Despite a loss of funding for the College and Career Readiness Program, staff at Sampson Community College don’t have any plans in allowing the loss to jeopardize the opportunities it affords local students.

According to Amanda Bradshaw, Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at SCC, less funding for the college doesn’t mean a loss of services for students.

“The decrease in funding will not be a loss of program offerings for students,” Bradshaw assured. “We are reorganizing staff and schedules to continue to meet needs. As a matter of fact, we are diversifying our offerings in the fall semester with the addition of adult high school.

Much like community colleges across the state, Sampson Community College received 27 percent less funding for the Career and College Promise Program than what it received last year. According to Bradshaw, actual funding for 2016-17 was $1,209,185. The projected funding for the upcoming school year is $877,413.

“We gave a comparison of projected budget differences and as you can see, our surrounding counterparts are facing the same challenges we are working through too,” Bradshaw said. “The $331,772 loss has already been taken into account for this fiscal year with several reorganizations of positions or non-renewals of contracts.”

While Sampson didn’t have the highest percentage of loss in funding, it was among the top, falling behind Wayne Community College, who received 30 percent less funding for the upcoming fiscal year.

In an effort to accommodate as many students as possible, Sampson has entered into a partnership with Wake Technical Community College to be able to offer the High School Equivalency program in Spanish.

The College and Career Readiness Program, formerly Basic Skills, offers the High School Equivalency, ESL, Adult High School and the ability to test for a GED as part of its services. These programs are of no cost, with the exception of the GED testing opportunity. These programs are intended for anyone 17 and older.

College and Career Readiness offers educational opportunities to qualifying minors and adults whose desire is to complete a high school equivalency diploma (HSE) or learn English as a Second Language (ESL). Students with intellectual disabilities are served as most appropriate based upon their assessment scores. The program is designed to help students improve their reading, writing, mathematics, and communication skills or basic life skills needed to transition into post-secondary education opportunities or pursue or retain employment in the workforce.

Adult Basic Education

Adult Basic Education is a program designed for students who need to improve their skills in reading, writing, and math. Instructions covers foundational reading, math, and writing communication skills.

High School Equivalency diploma

The High School Equivalency Diploma (HSE) program is designed for adults seeking to complete their high school equivalency. Instruction prepares adults the knowledge and skills to transition into post-secondary education or seek or retain employment.

ESL

English As Second Language (ESL) is a program designed to instruct students who are not proficient in English to improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing the English language in preparation for employment opportunities, citizenship, and becoming more involved in the community.

For more information about the College and Career Readiness Program, please call 910-592-8081 to speak with Lavoice Faison-Stevens, director, or visit www.sampsoncc.edu.

Bradshaw
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_bradshaw-amanda-1.jpgBradshaw

By Kristy D. Carter

[email protected]

Reach Kristy D. Carter at 910-592-8137, ext. 2588. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd. Like us on Facebook.