On Wednesday, June 29, the Coahoma Community College Workforce Development Center
(WDC) hosted its Adult Education Program graduation ceremony. The event, which took
place in the Coahoma County Safe House, honored 17 graduates of the program.
The Adult Education Program offers training that enhances students’ opportunities to obtain and retain employment. Most employers require a high school diploma or GED and some basic computer knowledge. These programs assist individuals in obtaining those goals.
Tamara Washington-Travis, director of Adult Education, shared that this year’s event was different than those of the past in that graduates from multiple years participated due to COVID-19 barriers.
“Due to the pandemic, we were not able to hold an in-person commencement. Although some of the graduates completed their HSE requirements a few years ago, we wanted to still celebrate this wonderful achievement,” said Washington-Travis. “It is important for them to realize this is a great accomplishment, and it deserves to be celebrated.”
The ceremony came at the culmination of months of hard work by the graduates. The Adult Education Programs offer adults a chance to prepare for the General Educational Development test (GED), college entrance, vocational-technical education, employment, or promotion on the job. This program is also open to helping anyone who wants to improve their basic skills for work or retain their employment.
“Events like this are important because they showcase that something like this can be achieved by anyone. Our group of graduates are very diverse. There are students of all ages and cultures who are represented,” shared Washington-Travis. “It’s a great marketing tool because it attracts potential students who might have been hesitant to attempt this milestone to come and give it a chance. There are a lot of people who need to obtain their high school diploma in the state of Mississippi, roughly over 300,000, so there are a lot of individuals we need to reach.”
Washington-Travis said that the event shows that her department is supporting that need locally. The ceremony was also meaningful because the WDC wanted to celebrate those who had obtained their HSE.
Dr. Chequitia Dixon, dean of the Division of Health Sciences, served as the event’s speaker. She championed the newly minted graduates, celebrating their success.
“We applaud you and extend our sincerest congratulations to you on completing this milestone in your educational journey. The day you have had your mind set on for the last month or even the last year or more has finally arrived,” said Dixon. “As adults, we have to make life-changing decisions daily, especially over the past two years navigating the murky waters of the coronavirus pandemic. But at some point in your life, you made a decision, and it was for you.”
Dixon ended her speech by challenging the graduates to do more and seek more education.
“Today is not a conclusion. It is the beginning of opportunity. It is your ticket into the world of higher education to earn a degree, certificate, or learn a new skill. This is only the beginning,” Dixon exclaimed!
To learn more about the Adult Education program, visit www.coahomacc.edu/programs/workforce/adulteducation/index.html.