The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development grants nearly $1 million to Northeast State Community College’s Adult Education Program

A nearly $1 million grant has been awarded to Northeast State Community College from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development to help adult learners further their education while also being able to create more economic and professional economic opportunities in the future. The grant totals $920,000.

The grant adds onto the Adult Education Program’s ability to reach and help adults and underserved populations in the region who are seeking to earn a high school equivalency (or HSE) diploma. The grant also sets aside money to help students in the Tennessee corrections system who are pursuing their HSE diploma.   

The Adult Education Program at Northeast State Community College runs with the goal of providing educational services to adults who are over the age of 16 who also do not have a high school diploma. The program allows students access to education services to residents in Washington, Unicoi, Sullivan, Johnson, Hawkins, Hancock, Green, and Carter counties. 

Northeast State Community College provides the basic education program for the residents of the area who are seeking their high school equivalency diplomas. The HSE diploma is an alternative to a high school diploma, awarded to students who have demonstrated the same knowledge and skills as required for a traditional high school diploma. The Adult Education Program at Northeast State prepares students to take the high school equivalency test (or HiSET).

Adult learners across the eight county service area are offered free HSE preparation courses by Northeast State Adult Education. The HiSET exam is also free for certain qualifying students. An HSE diploma is accepted by all employers, colleges, and universities. 

Adult learners who take part in the program first take an assessment to determine their level of education. The program’s faculty then provides instruction to improve the students’ skills in employability, writing, reading, social studies, science, and math. Adults who obtain their HSE diploma gain the opportunity to apply for a university or college. The diploma also helps the recipient in the job market, which gives them the opportunity for better long term stability for themselves and those they care for.

The grant money also funds the program’s work with assisting immigrants and other English language learners improve their speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension of English and arithmetic skills.

The Adult Education Program at Northeast State is free of charge to adult learners. Adult education classes are available in person and online on location, and classes take place on the weekend as well as during the day or night. Students are able to work at their own pace and can take the HiSET whenever they feel they are ready.

More information about the Adult Education Program at Northeast State Community College can be found at the school’s website or by calling 423-354-5364.