Tag: GED

Detainees in orange jumpsuits sit at white tables in a classroom setting, working on laptops.

ECC, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office Provide GED Program for Detainees

February 3, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Crawford County detainees now have a new opportunity to turn their time behind bars into a steppingstone for success.

Through a partnership between the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and East Central College, detainees can work toward earning their GED while incarcerated, equipping them with valuable skills for a fresh start after release.

Administered through ECC’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program, the initiative helps detainees prepare for and take the Missouri Department of Education’s HiSET exam. Participants are tested in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Writing—core subjects required to earn a high school equivalency diploma.

Detainees in orange jumpsuits sit at white tables in a classroom setting, guided by AEL instructors

Jail Administrator Lt. Tammy Peart, who is spearheading the program, emphasized the importance of education in reducing recidivism and improving employment prospects.

“Many detainees lack basic academic credentials, which hinders their ability to obtain stable employment or pursue higher education,” Peart said. “By introducing the GED program, our office aims to help them achieve personal and professional goals, including securing full-time employment and reducing recidivism rates.”

Since its launch, the program has seen strong participation, with five students currently prepared to take the HiSET exam. Due to high demand, a waitlist has formed. To expand access, study guides and mock exams have been added to detainee tablets, allowing individuals to study at their own pace.

ECC’s AEL Director Alice Whalen highlighted the transformative power of education in rehabilitation efforts.

“Education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of incarceration,” Whalen said. “This program is more than just earning a diploma—it’s about building confidence, creating opportunities, and providing a second chance for those who need it most.”

Sheriff Layman has prioritized programs like this to address the root causes of repeat offenses, recognizing that providing detainees with educational resources before reentering society is a proactive approach to reducing recidivism.

“The ultimate goal is to give detainees the tools they need to build a stable and self-sufficient future,” Peart added. “By investing in their personal development, we are not only helping individuals but also contributing to safer communities.”

This collaboration between ECC and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office underscores a shared commitment to rehabilitation and second chances. By offering detainees the opportunity to earn their GED, the program serves as a critical steppingstone toward employment, education, and a brighter future beyond incarceration.

Sheriff Layman has prioritized programs like this to address the root causes of repeat offenses. Providing detainees with educational resources before reentering society is a proactive approach to reducing recidivism.

This collaboration between ECC and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office reflects a shared commitment to rehabilitation and second chances. By providing detainees with the opportunity to earn their GED, the program offers a critical steppingstone toward employment, education, and a brighter future beyond incarceration.

To learn more about ECC’s AEL program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/ael/, email ael@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6533.

AEL Instructor to Retire After 13 Years

December 17, 2020 | Campus News

Don Boettcher is hanging up his hat after 13 years as an instructor with East Central College’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Program.

Boettcher, 87, taught college and career readiness classes. That Includes assisting students who did not have a high school diploma prepare for the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), formerly called the GED.

According to Alice Whalen, AEL director, Boettcher cared deeply about his job as an instructor and each student he taught.

“Don has adapted to many changes in the adult education program over the years, but his care and support for the students has never changed,” she said, “He has always shown the greatest care and concern for their success.”

His AEL teaching career began after he got a call from ECC in 2007 to teach GED classes.

The college was offering high school equivalency classes in the Gerald area and needed someone nearby to teach evening classes.

Boettcher taught HiSET prep courses two nights a week at New Life Tabernacle in Gerald. He taught students a variety of subjects to help prepare them for the test.

After teaching students in the Gerald area for a few years, Boettcher taught at the Sullivan class site.

About Boettcher

Boettcher and his wife, MaryJane, live in Sullivan. He is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. The couple moved to Missouri in 1965.

He had served in the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s, and later he worked as a market researcher for a Canadian-owned brewing company. When the couple moved to Missouri Boettcher was a market planning manager, and at one point he worked at an advertising firm.

AEL Program

ECC’s AEL program offers several programs to help adult learners with workforce training skills, English Language Acquisition, Communication and Customer Service Certificate Programs and much more.

AEL instructors must have a bachelor’s degree, pass a fingerprint background check and complete training for certification once hired.

Volunteers with the program must complete a Missouri background check and complete virtual training with the East Central Area Literacy Council.

To learn more about the AEL Program, people may visit www.eastcentral.edu/ael/.

Area residents interested in becoming instructors or classroom assistants may call 636-584-6533 or email ael@eastcentral.edu.

Registration Open for Adult Education and Literacy Classes

September 4, 2020 | Campus News

Enrollment is open now for the East Central College Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program.

AEL is registering students for both the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) preparation and English language classes in multiple locations throughout the region.

The AEL program is free to everyone and there are both morning and evening classes available.

In addition to the HiSET prep and English language classes, AEL offers basic computer training, literacy tutoring and life-skills instruction.

All classes require an orientation during which class requirements will be discussed and testing assessments will be completed.

To register for orientation, send an email to ael@eastcentral.edu or fill out the form at https://www.eastcentral.edu/ael/.

Registration for both the Adult Education classes and the English learning classes are free and goes on year-round.

AEL offers college and career readiness classes during the day in Sullivan, Union, Rolla and Washington. Evening classes are available in Franklin, Crawford, Gasconade, Montgomery and Phelps counties.

The English language classes, which provide students with reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, are available during the day in Union, Rolla and Washington. Evening classes are held in Union and Rolla.

For more information about AEL, call 636-584-6533 or 844-ECC-4AEL (844-322-4235), or email ael@eastcentral.edu.

New Online Workforce Training Available for AEL Students

September 23, 2019 | Campus News

Students preparing to pass the High School Equivalency Test through the East Central College Adult Education and Literacy program will now get a new opportunity to strengthen their workforce skills.

“In September, we started offering new, online training programs for our students,” said Alice Whalen, Director of Adult Education and Literacy. “These courses allow students to gain the knowledge needed for high-demand jobs in the area.”

There are currently 15 new online workforce training options, ranging from advanced manufacturing to safety technician to child development associate. Two additional on-site classes, Introduction to MIG Welding and Certified Nursing Assistant, are also available to AEL students.

“The courses are self-paced,” said Whalen. “The classes are a great compliment to our students preparing for the HiSET or learning English as a second language.”

Right now, the classes are not free. However, Whalen says many adult students may be eligible for substantial financial assistance through AEL’s partnerships with the Missouri Job Centers in Rolla and Washington. Scholarships may also be available.

High School Equivalency Test Now Free for Area Students

August 8, 2019 | Campus News

For years, the Adult Education and Literacy program at East Central College has provided free classes to improve a students’ skills in math, reading, writing, social studies and science. The goal of the program is to prepare students to pass the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), formerly the GED.

For the first time, students in the program will no longer have to pay for the actual test. It’s all thanks to recent legislation passed in Missouri.

“The cost of the test is around 100 dollars,” said Alice Whalen, East Central College Adult Education and Literacy Director. “For some people, it is a real barrier. Now that the test is free, we hope more adults pursue their goals of finishing their high school education.”

The Adult Education and Literacy program hosts High School Equivalency classes in several locations. They include Cuba, Hermann, Montgomery City, Owensville, Pacific, Rolla, St. Clair, Sullivan, Union and Washington. Day and evening classes are available.

Students interested in obtaining their HiSET must attend an orientation, which are held in Union, Rolla and Hermann. To see a list of orientation dates, please visit eastcentral.edu/ael or call 844-322-4235.

Students who have earned their HiSET through the AEL program at East Central College are eligible to receive a tuition waiver for a three hour college credit class at East Central College!

Adult Education and Literacy Program Awarded National Grant

May 15, 2019 | Campus News

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded the East Central College Foundation, working on behalf of the ECC Adult Education and Literacy Program, a $10,000 grant to support its mission in 2019. This local grant award is part of more than $8.3 million in grants awarded to nearly 1,000 schools, nonprofits and organizations across the country.

“Literacy is a problem that very much exists in the East Central College service area,” said AEL Director Alice Whalen. “There are more than 20,000 adults in Franklin, Gasconade, Phelps and Warren Counties without a high school diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE) Certificate.”

The AEL Program will use the grant to support the adult education program and the volunteers who assist students in the classroom. Currently, AEL classes are held in Rolla, Sullivan, Union and Washington during the day. Night classes are held Cuba, Hermann, Montgomery City, Owensville, Pacific, Rolla, St. Clair, St. James, Sullivan, Union and Washington. Additional English Language classes are held in Rolla, Union and Washington.

“Our dedicated staff members and volunteers work tirelessly to help improve a student’s skills in math, reading, writing, social studies and science,” added Whalen. “All classes, books and materials are provided free for students. We aim to create personalized experiences for our students – addressing their specific needs and helping them achieve their personal goals.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $168 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 10 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education.

Find out more about the AEL program at www.eastcentral.edu/ael or by calling call 636-584-6533.

#InspiringExcellence – CNA/AEL Program Gives Second Chances, Changes Lives

August 17, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Healthcare was always a field of interest for Pacific resident Heather Delisi. “My mother and my aunt were both Certified Nurse Assistants,” she explained. “It’s something I grew up with.”

The drive to help people in need is what led Kayla Jenkins to healthcare. “I want to become a nurse. I want to help new moms and take care of new babies,” the Union resident said.

Both had something standing in their way – no high school diploma.

“I dropped out when I was 16,” Delisi explained. “At the time, I was following my fiancé to a new state.”

She is now 36, and decided it was time to finish what she started.

“I wanted to show my kids I could do it,” she said. “I want to set a good example.”

Jenkins left high school her senior year. She admits bad influences got in the way of her education. Nearly seven years later, she made a very important phone call.

“I called my old high school about getting my diploma, and they told me about a local program for people just like me,” she said. “I have a daughter now, and I need a career – not just a job.”

Both landed at the East Central College Adult Education and Literacy Program and enrolled in the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program. It is designed to prepare individuals to care for clients in long-term care facilities, hospitals and home health agencies. The innovative program consists of 75 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of supervised clinical training. It also includes 100 hours preparation for the high school equivalency exam.

“After looking into the program, I was ready. I said ‘let’s do this,’” said Jenkins.

“I was tired of just sitting at home,” said Delisi. “I admit I was a little terrified starting the program. I had no idea what to expect.”

Her fears quickly went away once the program got underway. “The class sizes were small. It made me so much more comfortable,” she said.

Terri Warmack leads the CNA program. As the Health Careers Workforce Coordinator, she knows the program can be a life-changing experience for many.

“This program is about second chances,” she said. “It’s about taking that first step to a new life. Certified Nurse Assistants are vital to healthcare. It’s a rewarding, exciting and challenging career where you can make a difference every day.”

“Terri is a great teacher,” said Delisi. “She’s like another mom. She relates to us. We laugh together. We cry together.”

Betsy Williams is also in the classroom. As an AEL instructor, she is helping the class prepare to get their high school equivalency.

“Betsy is all about discipline,” Delisi joked. “She keeps on us to make sure we stay the course.”

The combination is working. In August, Jenkins and Delisi passed the final exam to become a Certified Nurse Assistant through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. They will now both finish their High School Equivalency in the coming weeks.

“Once this is over, I plan to get a job and take a break,” said Jenkins, “but it’s not over. I want to keep going.”

“It feels so good to prove so many people wrong,” said Delisi. “I want to keep proving people wrong and become a registered nurse.”

The next CNA/AEL starts in September. Students must be 18 years of age at the start of the program. For more information: 636-584-6531, Terri.Warmack@EastCentral.edu.

Registration Open for Adult Education and Literacy Classes

October 13, 2016 | Campus News

The East Central College Adult Education and Literacy Program (AEL) gives students the opportunity to earn their High School Equivalency Certificate. It also gives students a chance to learn English as a primary language.

Classes are offered during the day in Gerald, Sullivan, Union and Washington. Evening classes are offered in Pacific, Union, St. Clair, Washington, Cuba, Hermann, Owensville, Rolla and St. James.

The importance behind attending AEL classes is not in the numbers but in the long-term outcome of earning the HSE. These achievements give way to a chance for people to get their dream job, or just a better paying job. The more education an individual has, the more money they can expect to earn. Those with less than a high school education can expect to earn a $17,528 salary, those with an HSE can expect $24,315 and those with an Associate’s degree can expect $38,342.

“Increased education can have a large economic impact for an individual, but also for a community” AEL Director Alice Whalen said, “Increased wages impact poverty rates, welfare participation, unemployment, healthcare costs, prison recidivism and tax revenues at both the state and national level.”

There are four levels of English learning classes, running Beginning through Advanced. Orientation is required and held for new students four times during the year. The English language classes are offered in Washington and Rolla.

Registration for both the Adult Education classes and the English learning classes are free and goes on year-round. For more information about the dates and times of these classes, call 636-584-6533 or visit www.eastcentral.edu/ael/.

Formally known as the GED, the High School Equivalency Certificate (HSE) is the secondary way of earning a high school diploma in Missouri. According to the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy and US Census Bureau, 12 percent of Missouri’s population ages 25 and older have less than a high school diploma, or nearly 730,000 people.