CSM Celebrates 25 Adult Graduates for Returning to School to Earn Their High School Diplomas

The College of Southern Maryland Celebrates 25 Adult Graduates for Returning to School to Earn Their High School Diplomas

Introduction

The faculty and staff of the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) joined the families and friends of 25 Adult Education Program graduates on November 1 to celebrate their achievements in returning to school and earning their Maryland high school diploma.

CSM Adult Education Program

The CSM Adult Education Program offers fundamental education courses that cover areas such as basic reading, writing, and mathematics. These courses prepare motivated students to take the General Educational Development (GED) test or complete the National External Diploma Program (NEDP). Additionally, the program offers English as a second language classes, and most classes are free due to grant funding from the Maryland Department of Labor, the US Department of Education, and local contributions.

Recognition and Support

During the ceremony, CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson commended the students for their courage and determination in returning to school. She emphasized that they have inspired others by proving that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Wilson assured the students that CSM would continue to support them in their educational journey and announced that each student would receive a $500 scholarship to continue their education at CSM, provided by the CSM Foundation.

Partnerships and Congratulations

Echo Salisbury, a program specialist in the Office of Adult Education and Literacy Services at the Maryland Department of Labor, congratulated the students for their determination and highlighted their stories as a testament to the power of perseverance. Shaunda Holt, CSM Director of Adult and Community Education, expressed gratitude to the partners involved in making the Adult Education Program a reality. GED graduate Tara Kettner shared her personal story of overcoming obstacles and encouraged her fellow graduates to continue pursuing their dreams.

Graduation Ceremony

The graduates received their diplomas and were honored with personalized certificates acknowledging their accomplishments. U.S. Congressman Steny H. Hoyer’s Deputy District Director, Stefanie Barone, ‘06, presented the certificates. The list of graduates who participated in the Fall 2023 Adult Education Program graduation ceremony is as follows:

• A’Daytra Beverly
• Roquell Blue
• RoShonda Blue
• Bryan Budreau
• Phillip Cook
• Kouakou De Souza
• Gideon Ekong
• Diamond Ferguson
• T’mya Hebb
• Emily Heier
• Dawn Helms
• Tiffany Hoffman
• Antonio Irizarry
• Tara Kettner
• Micah Lewis
• David Morgan, Jr.
• Savannah Prince
• Lillian Salek
• Eric Shanholtz
• Dustin Stein
• Mina Butler Thomas
• *Four graduates requested that their names not be publicized.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education

The article discusses the College of Southern Maryland’s Adult Education Program, which offers fundamental education courses and helps students earn their high school diploma. This aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.

The Adult Education Program mentioned in the article provides free education courses, including basic reading, writing, and mathematics, to prepare students for the General Educational Development (GED) test or National External Diploma Program (NEDP). This addresses Target 4.1 by offering equitable and quality education to individuals who did not complete their high school education. Additionally, the program also offers English as a second language classes, which aligns with Target 4.3 by providing affordable and quality education to individuals seeking to improve their language skills.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.
• Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex.

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, the success of the Adult Education Program can be measured using Indicator 4.1.1, which assesses the proficiency levels of individuals in reading and mathematics at different stages of education. Additionally, Indicator 4.3.1 can be used to measure the participation rate of adults in non-formal education programs like the Adult Education Program.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: smnewsnet.com

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