With the national GED test changing Jan. 1, 2014, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is trying to help individuals in Rowan and Cabarrus counties finish their GEDs.
The fact that she was able to complete her GED before test changes and a significant price increase was just icing on the cake to Nicole Tomsich.
Potters House is one of a dozen off-site GED instructional programs that RCCC operates in Rowan and Cabarrus counties.
“Our goal is to bring the access to students. It’s our ‘meet them where they are philosophy,’” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus. “While it’s not possible for every program, our overarching goal is to be available and accessible to students. That’s why our students can now earn seven degrees completely online. It’s why the GED classes are offered morning, afternoon, evening and online at multiple locations across the college’s service area.”
Tomsich dropped out of high school at 16 due to extenuating circumstances within her family.
“For a while, I put off pursuing my GED. I felt like I couldn’t do it … that going back to school would be a waste of time. I also thought I couldn’t afford it,” said Tomsich. She enrolled in classes at the Potters House because it was right across the street from where she was living.
The Potters House offers GED classes Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with approximately 10 students coming to classes at any given time. “Our students tell us that transportation and childcare are the biggest hurdles to accessing education,” said Gary Connor, director of the college’s GED and Adult Basic Education programs. “The bottom line is that we will bring the program to you. If there is enough interest in your community, we will respond and set up classes locally.”
Tomsich’s journey to completing her GED has not been easy. She lost her home earlier this year and spent part of January and February sleeping outside. “If I could talk to others who don’t yet have their GED, I would tell them to try. And to not give up,” said Tomsich. “There is always light at the end of the tunnel. If you push yourself, you’ll find that it’s worth it.”
Tomsich is beginning her college course prerequisites very soon with the goal of becoming a nurse. “I would especially like to work with those suffering from a mental illness or post-traumatic stress,” said Tomsich.
Now, post-graduation, Tomsich has been tutoring other students at the Potters House. “She is inspiring others in the program at Potters House,” said Pastor Gena Long, the Rowan-Cabarrus instructor at the Potters House who motivated Tomsich to pursue her GED. “They know it can be done. They saw her in her cap and gown.”
The changing landscape of the GED test is motivation for some to complete their GED sooner rather than later. Those who have taken the GED test since 2002, but not passed all five parts, have until the end of 2013 to pass the test in its entirety, or they will need to start over again in 2014 with the new GED test in order to receive their high school equivalency credential.
“The GED test opens the door to college and better jobs. It gives the graduate the respect they deserve, and the satisfaction of earning a high school credential with the hope that they will continue with their education,” said Connor. “We want to be sure that everyone is aware of this deadline. GED test-takers must act now to finish and pass before the current test expires.” According to the GED Testing Service, more than a million Americans have started, but not completed the current GED test.
“My first job was as a GED instructor and I know first-hand how important a GED is for a person’s future,” said Spalding. “Today’s unemployment rates are evidence that without a high school diploma or a GED, future salary is limited to near poverty levels. By all means, use 2013 to complete your high school equivalent education so you can better prepare the years ahead. Encourage anyone you know to do the same. Rowan-Cabarrus is ready to help.”
“We offer classes online, at various community locations and on campus, so anyone interested in earning a GED can walk in the door and get started,” said Connor. Students work at their own pace, so the time to complete a section of the GED may take weeks or months based upon the individual.
“We are committed to helping the people of Rowan and Cabarrus counties gain the skills they need to become employable,” said Spalding. “In addition to free GED classes, we also offer free classes that prepare them to take the WorkKeys assessment to earn the nationally recognized Career Readiness Certificate (CRC).”
Contact Gary Connor for more information at gary.connor@rccc.edu or 704-216-3723.
For more information about RCCC, visit www.rccc.edu or call 704-216-RCCC (7222).
A rare partnership between RCCC and Microsoft provided nearly 350 new information technology (IT) certifications at no cost last month.
“Certifications are expensive and that’s a barrier for some students,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus. “Our faculty and staff are constantly looking for ways to reduce costs and increase opportunities available to our students. This partnership with Microsoft is a perfect example.”
The MTA Test Fest — which stands for Microsoft Technology Associate — was a first-of-its-kind opportunity for the college. Microsoft donated all of the tests taken during the event.
“Each individual who tested saved about $50 per test,” said Ian Stevens, associate dean of information technologies. “Additionally, of the 100-plus people who attended, many walked away with more than one certification — nearly 350 successful certifications were earned in just three short hours.”
In conjunction with the college’s testing center, the college transformed all of the Cabarrus Business & Technology Center (CBTC) computer labs into satellite testing locations. Faculty supported the efforts by serving as test proctors. The college’s designated testing center is in the process of expanding services to offer more industry testing on-site.
“While the MTA tests are fundamental, basic level certifications, acquiring these credentials puts students one step closer to a job,” said Stevens. “Employers tell our faculty that the first thing they identify to screen applicants is certifications. This certification helps applicants get their foot in the door. Of course, additional certifications and training are available here at Rowan-Cabarrus for more advanced students.”
Students were leaving the testing rooms saying “I didn’t even know that I could do this!” People of all ages and backgrounds came out for the event. There was a party-like atmosphere after the tests were complete. There were prizes available, including X-box games, “Geek” hats, pens, water bottles and T-shirts.
The partnership with Microsoft provided students with vouchers to become certified in 12 different areas.
Recent meetings with industry representatives and advisory boards in the IT field gave the college important feedback. Faculty recognized the increased importance of certifications being a solid framework for future success. “Certifications prove to the employer that you have the skills needed — that there are fundamental skills they won’t need to teach you,” said Stevens.
Students interested in pursuing careers in the IT field also need to be prepared to be their own boss. Industry reports that more and more freelance IT consultants are now employed in this field.
For more information about IT courses for beginners, career-changers or seasoned professionals, contact Ian Stevens, 704-216-7138 or ian.stevens@rccc.edu.