College and Career Readiness (CCR) Programs
College and Career Readiness (CCR) Programs
College and Career Readiness programs are provided for students that are pre-college and may need basic education skills in writing, reading, math, computer literacy, and communication. Students who receive these services include low-skilled adults, individuals with disabilities, youth, justice-involved individuals, and English language acquisition students. Goals may include completing adult high school, or obtaining a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and/or earning employment related credentials necessary for post-secondary education or employment success. Coursework is based on The NCCCS College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education by the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE).
Transition programs and services using adult education career pathways and other platforms are also provided, and are aligned with adult education content standards, postsecondary education completion goals, college entry readiness, life skills, and employment instruction and training. They include academic instruction, non-academic services, and support for students to ensure student success and transition to postsecondary career and employment options. Transitions programs may also include integrating career awareness, bridge instruction, integrated education training, transitions academies, and computer skills. Current career occupation pathways, based on projected Foothills Workforce Development employment trends, include: Advanced Manufacturing, Health Sciences, and other pathways such as, Nursing Assistant, Early Childhood Education, Computer Information Technology, Welding Technology; and others.
A student may register at any scheduled orientation held at NCWorks (Marion) or Universal Advanced Manufacturing Center (UAMC) throughout the semester and attend the class that is most convenient to their schedule. Classes are offered year-round. CCR classes are open to any adults age 18 or over who can benefit from class content, regardless of status. Students as young as 16 who are not enrolled in a public, private or home school may also enroll with notarized documentation from parents and public/private/homeschool officials. In addition, classroom instruction is provided in English and Spanish.
All classes are fee-waived and texts are provided for in-class use in the following CCR programs:
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education is a program of instruction designed for adults who function below the high school level. Many of these adults have intellectual and developmental disabilities or similar barriers to independence. These classes work to assist adult learners with improving their academic, workplace, and independent living skills. Instruction is offered in reading, writing, math, English, science, digital literacy and career exploration with a focus on college and career readiness skills. Adult Secondary Education (ASE)
Adult Secondary Education is a program of instruction (9.0 grade level and above or the equivalent) designed to prepare adults for further education or transition toward skill attainment and employment. Adult Secondary Education includes the Adult High School (AHS) Diploma program and the High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma program.
Adult High School (AHS)
The Adult High School program is intended to assist adults in earning the remaining credits they need to receive a high school diploma. The Adult High School Diploma program consists of classroom instruction, learning laboratory courses, distance education, or a combination of instructional methods which deliver the course objectives required to earn an Adult High School Diploma. The AHS Diploma Program is offered cooperatively with the local public school system to help adults earn an Adult High School Diploma. Diplomas are issued cooperatively by the community college and the local public school system. Official transcripts are maintained and issued by MTCC.
High School Completion
Adults may complete high school education through the Adult High School Diploma Program or the High School Equivalency Program. These programs are available to all non-high school graduates who are at least eighteen years of age or those sixteen years of age who have officially withdrawn from the public school. Students between the ages of sixteen and eighteen must have a minor permission form signed by a parent or legal guardian, as well as the signature of the principal or superintendent of the last high school attended. Please note that students 16-17 years of age must contact the College and Career Readiness Department to complete registration and orientation to be eligible to take adult high school courses or high school equivalency assessments in North Carolina.
The Adult High School Program offers instruction to assist learners in preparing to successfully complete the credits required for a High School Diploma. Accumulation of a pre-determined number of credits as approved by McDowell County Schools (MCS) is required. Required courses are based on a transcript evaluation from the high school last attended and may include English, mathematics, science, social studies, health, and electives. Students must meet enrollment requirements and provide an official, sealed transcript from the high school last attended.
Required Credits
- Colleges must offer at least the minimum number of credits required for graduation by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Link: http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/docs/curriculum/home/graduation-requirements
Electives are selected from a variety of program offerings and structured so that students develop a range of skills which qualify them to succeed in the labor market or to enter technical, vocational, or college transfer programs. There is no cost to students for courses. However, a minimal graduation fee may be required.
High School Equivalency (HSE)
The High School Equivalency Diploma program offers instruction to assist learners in preparing to successfully pass a designated high school equivalency test. This test is designed to document knowledge and skills equivalent to that of a graduating high school senior. Students who successfully complete one of the approved test batteries earn the North Carolina High School Equivalency Diploma, allowing them to enter college, pursue further training or obtain employment.
The High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma Program offers instruction to assist learners in preparing to successfully pass a designated high school equivalency assessment. The three nationally recognized assessments used to obtain a state-issued High School Equivalency credential in North Carolina are GED®, HiSET® and TASC®. All three High School Equivalency assessments are recognized by US Department of Education USDOE GEN-14-16 (link is external) and cover the same content areas. Passing any one of the assessments will lead to the same High School Equivalency Diploma issued by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. Currently, MTCC offers two of the testing options, the GED® and the HiSET® examination.
The GED® Testing fee is $80.00 and is a computer-based test of four subjects (Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics). Students may retake the test up to two times for free in the same calendar year.
The HiSET® Testing fee is $50.00 and is a computer-based test of five subjects (Reading, Writing, Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics). Students may retake the test up to two times for free in the same calendar year.
Basic Skills Plus
Basic Skills Plus (BSP) is a program within CCR that offers transition and career pathway support to students preparing for entry into employment and post-secondary education programs. BSP students work to earn entry level employment and occupational credentials.
To be eligible for BSP, students must be co-enrolled in curriculum or workforce continuing education while earning their adult high school diploma. The high school diploma may be obtained in Adult High School (AHS) or High School Equivalency (HSE) classes.
Tuition for the curriculum or workforce continuing education classes may be waived for eligible students. Basic Skills Plus students may earn up to 96 hours in workforce continuing education program(s) or 18 hours in curriculum program(s) while part of BSP. Eligible students must apply for the Basic Skills Plus program and be approved by the Director of CCR.
English Language Acquisition (ELA)
English Language Acquisition classes are designed for students to improve their English speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as everyday life skills. Students will have an opportunity to practice basic conversation, improve inter- personal skills, and become a more involved member of the community. In addition, citizenship classes are available upon request.
Integrated English literacy and Civics Education (IEL/CE)
Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education are services provided to adults whose first language is not English, including professionals with degrees and credentials in their native countries, to enable them to achieve competency in the English language and acquire the basic and more advanced skills needed to function effectively as parents, workers, and citizens in the United States. Services include instruction in literacy, math, and English language acquisition and instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation, and may include workforce training. Students may register at any ELA class.
All classes are offered at a variety of times and locations. For more information or to sign-up, contact College and Career Readiness at 828-659-6001, ext. 137.
Human Resources Development (HRD)
The purpose of the Human Resources Development program is to educate and train individuals for success in the workplace. HRD courses provide skills training and assistance for adults who are trying to find employment, get back into the workforce or working to find their place in today’s job market. The HRD program provides employability skills training (and more) and focuses on the unemployed and underemployed but is not limited to this group of people. These groups of people may include the following: unemployed insurance claimants, NCWorks customers, public assistance recipients, dislocated workers, out-of-school youth, justice-involved individuals, probationers, adult students, and individuals in career/job transition.
All classes in the HRD program are offered at no cost to unemployed individuals seeking employment and underemployed individuals who are working and meet special income guidelines. For individuals not in either of the categories, occupational extension fees will apply.
Classes are offered at the NCWorks Career Center, community sites (including prisons or jails), and employer locations. Classes are scheduled on a continuous basis throughout the year to meet the needs of the students who enroll. For more information, call the HRD office at 659-6001, ext. 140.
HRD Basic Technology Literacy
Make the transition into technology training easy by gaining an awareness of the role of technology in the workplace. Develop basic computer use skills, compile employment-related documents, research careers, and understand the impact of digital literacy and social networking on employment.
HRD Career Planning and Assessment
Explore your natural skills, search for the ideal career, and get in touch with the resources to reach your goals. Learn the career pathways with high projected employment needs in our workforce area.
HRD Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) Prep
Earn a North Carolina Career Readiness Certificate based on the ACT WorkKeys system. It is a portable credential recognized nationally, that shows employers your skill level in Applied Math, Workplace Documents, and Graphic Literacy. Prove to employers you have the skills to do the job by earning a bronze, silver, gold or platinum certificate. Business Writing and other ACT certificates are available as well.
HRD Employability Keyboarding
Gain basic knowledge of the keyboard to facilitate transitions into advanced keyboarding, introductory computer or office technology classes. Explore careers and understand the importance of keyboarding/data entry skills in employment.
HRD Financial Literacy
Gain the basic skills of finances. Learn how to write checks, how to open and balance a checking or savings account, how to track your spending, how to discern between wants and needs, how to budget, and how to build credit.
HRD Job Fair Bootcamp
Prepare for a job fair by gaining valuable insight on what employers are looking for. Assistance with creating an up-to-date resume as well as building interview skills will be discussed in this class. Classes are offered as needed.
HRD Resume/Interviewing/Internet Job Search
Professionally prepare for the job you want! Utilize resume development techniques to complete a professional resume; prepare for your interview; become familiar with application procedures; and do Internet job searches to assist you in locating and obtaining employment.
HRD Success by Choice-Motivation and Retention
Develop a healthy self-esteem and positive attitude to enhance personal and career success. Learn self-management skills, personal branding, and emotional intelligence skills. Establish goals and explore career opportunities.
HRD Working Smart
Learn employer expectations of self-management on the job, work ethics, communication skills, problem solving, and conflict management.
NCWorks Career Center at The Ford Miller Employment and Training Center
Career Planning, Training & Placement Services
SERVICES
Adult High School (AHS) Diploma High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma
Career Assessment/Testing Internet Job Search
Career Counseling Interview/Job Search Preparation
Career Exploration/Research Job Listings/Job Referrals
Career /Job Related Fax & Copy Services Labor Market Information
Career Pathway Certificate/Diploma Course’s Needs & Service Referral
Career Readiness Certificate (CRC)
Computer Software Tutorials Resume Preparation
Education & Training Information WorkKeys®Preparation
English Language Acquisition (ELA) WorkKeys®Testing
SHORT-TERM JOB READINESS CLASSES
Classes are offered at no cost if you are unemployed, have been notified of a
layoff, or are working and meet special income guidelines.
Industry Pre-Hire or Re-Hire Training Computer Literacy
Internet Job Search/ NCWorks Orientation TECH Academy
Resume & Interviewing Financial Literacy
PARTNERING AGENCIES
Division of Workforce Solutions
McDowell Technical Community College
Workforce Innovations & Opportunity Act (WIOA Adult and Youth Program)
McDowell County Dept. of Social Services (DSS)
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Community Action Opportunities (Life Works)
McDowell Access to Care & Health (Match Program)
Senior Community Service Employment Program (Title V)
LOCATION & HOURS
NCWorks Career Center at
The Ford Miller Employment and Training Center
316 Baldwin Avenue, Suite 2, Marion, NC 28752
Phone: 828-659-6001 / Fax: 828-659-8733
Monday – Thursday 8:30 am—5:00 pm Friday 8:30 am—12 noon