Need to get your high school diploma or learn the skills to get the job? Wilson Community College offers a basic skills program for adults seeking to earn their high school diploma, and we make it flexible for the student through in-person and online resources. We also provide review courses for students wanting to improve their reading, writing and math skills in addition to learning employability skills.
The basic skills program fits under the umbrella of the College and Career Readiness program, with which you might already be familiar. This includes the adult high school diploma, N.C. high school equivalency and English language programs.
Maybe you or someone you know did not complete high school and are looking for a way to earn your high school diploma or high school equivalency. If so, this is exactly where you would start. We offer orientation sessions and assessments during the week to get you entered into the program.
In the last year, we’ve restructured and added programs, with both in-person and online offerings. We know that students need connection and personal experience, and we value one-on-one interaction. The pandemic gave us the perfect opportunity to improvise ways for adult students wanting to return to school to finish their high school credential or learn the workforce skills employers are looking for.
“One of the lessons learned during the pandemic is that a lot of students struggle with online instruction alone,” said Suzanne Ross, director of continuing education at WCC. “Because of this, we’ve re-designed the majority of classes to a hybrid format, which provides students the opportunity and flexibility to work online and still meet with an instructor face-to-face. A hybrid class means instructors are teaching the class on campus at least once a week and are available for students who may need additional help or instruction.”
We’ve also implemented two new initiatives, beginning this fall semester: Transitions Career Academy and High School Equivalency in the Community.
The new TCA program is for adults previously served through our basic literacy skills program. The Transitions program will be offered through our Transitions Career Academy and will be a two-year program providing students the opportunity to continue their education by improving their reading, writing, math and technology skills, all while preparing for the world of work or other appropriate postsecondary programs.
The HSE in the Community program gives qualified students the opportunity to earn the majority of their high school degree through the mail. Students complete course subject workbooks and mail their classwork in postage-paid envelopes to the college for grading and additional tutoring. Brochures with information about HSE in the Community are available throughout the community in places like the local library, restaurants and more. Additional information about these programs are also located on WCC’s website at www.wilsoncc.edu/continuing-education/college-and-career-readiness/.
Many of our instructors are retired educators who have a passion for teaching. And because this program is a popular one, we can always use more. Anyone interested in teaching in our basic skills program should contact the continuing education office at 252-246-1340.
For more information, contact Suzanne Ross at sross@wilsoncc.edu or 252-246-1340, or Tonya Brinkley, director of assessment, at tbrinkley@wilsoncc.edu or 252-246-1356. #WilsonCC — we make Wilson work.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
• Aug. 30-Sept. 3 — Student Government Association Welcome Back Week.
• Sept. 2 — New student orientation at 5 p.m. (online).
• Sept. 2 — Nursing information session at 6 p.m. (online).
• Sept. 25 — Car and truck show on campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.