Have you finished your G.E.D.? Are you still nervous about College? Do you think you still need some skill building? Then please learn more about Next Step Up.
Next Step Up Program is specifically created for students who have passed their GED. It is a transition to college program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Education. This program is open to all ages and is designed for the non traditional student. The college provides support and resources to students who may not have ever thought that college was an option for them. So whether you think you are too old or too young, or whether you are the first person to attend college in your family, or you just would like that extra little bit of help to get over some of your fears of college, Next Step Up was conceived for you.
Students are part of a cohort with whom they attend classes. They take a mandated course, College Success, and up to three other courses that are appropriate for their skill and experience levels. They have the same advisor throughout their beginning semesters and attend workshops on additional college success skills.
WHO: Anyone who has passed their G.E.D. from a MA test center, or non-English speakers with documentation of a high school graduation from another country. They must be able to read English at an 8.7 grade level. Contact Lindy Whiton at (413) 775-1828 to set up an intake.
Students will be asked to:
- Attend an interview
- Sign an agreement
- Take College Success (HUD 114) and pass it
- Attend individual advising meetings with NSU advisor
- Complete testing mandated for all incoming GCC students
Benefits of NSU:
- Help accessing all college resources
- Many classes and services free in the first semester.
- More individualized attention.
- 1st Semester - students take College Success, and developmental classes they might need. If they place out of developmental classes, then they will be placed in a class already running and the grant will pay for it. They will have Lindy Whiton as an advisor. This semester is free to the student.
- 2nd Semester – students will continue to take the classes that are appropriate for them. They will continue to have Lindy Whiton as an advisor. They will be invited to attend Next Step Up workshops every month and participate in special events. The grant does not pay for this semester.
- 3rd Semester – students will be transitioned to a faculty advisor in the field they are interested in studying. They will have completed the transition.
Schedules will be individualized. Students will take between 2 and 4 classes depending on their own needs. An example:
- English Composition I
- Introductory Algebra
- College Success
- Jazz and Pop Chorus
Enrollment Information
To enroll in the program or learn more about the grant, please call Lindy Whiton at (413) 775-1828 or ask at Student Services.
This is a grant of the Massachusetts Department of Education; ACLS Department.
Partnerships
The Literacy Project, Inc.
Center for New Americans
Franklin County Even Start
Advisory Board
Jim Ayres–Center for New Americans
Norman Beebe –Math Dept. GCC
Jean Boucias–GED Testing Center
Kit Carpenter–ESOL Program GCC
Julie Wright–North Quabbin Adult Education Center, Orange TLP
Sarah Dudzic–NELCWT
Rosemarie Freeland–Women’s Resource Center GCC
Herb Hentz–Admissions Dept. GCC
Colleen Kucinski –Career Center GCC
Amber Ortiz–TLP Transitions Counselor
Joe Panzica–Charbanneau Adult Learning Center
Jim Parcells–Franklin County Career Center