Mayor Kenney Honored Adult Learners at 2023 Citywide Graduation | Department of Human Services

Adult Learners Honored at Graduation Ceremony

Photo Credit: Kelly & Massa Photography

PHILADELPHIA – Nearly 70 adult learners who accomplished personal milestones by completing their high school equivalency certifications were recently honored at a graduation ceremony at the Bonnell Auditorium on the campus of Community College of Philadelphia at 17th & Spring Garden streets.

Inspiring Remarks from Distinguished Speakers

The new graduates heard inspirational remarks from various speakers, including:

• Mayor Jim Kenney
• Dr. David Thomas of Community College of Philadelphia
• Executive Director of Adult Education Christine Pivens
• Fellow graduate Amira Sloan
• Bestselling author, journalist, radio host, and Urban One Philadelphia radio Community Affairs Director Solomon Jones

Recognition of Tenacity and Achievement

Mayor Kenney praised the graduates for their tenacity in completing their degrees, despite life’s obstacles.

“All of you who are graduating today – and receiving the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma – made the important and life-changing choice to continue your education and pursue a new career path,” the Mayor said. “You chose to invest in yourself, and that deserves to be recognized and celebrated. I know it’s not always easy to go back to school–some of you may have kids or work full time. But your motivation and desire to succeed, whether that meant passing an exam or earning 30 college credits, is exactly why you’re here today. You are all examples of academic success and are living proof that it’s never too late to ‘go back to school.’”

Inspiring Words from Solomon Jones

Guest speaker Solomon Jones captivated the audience with a poetic address on hustling, emphasizing the graduates’ determination and resilience.

“A hustler has a vision,” Jones said. “He up all night / out-thinking the competition / He willing to step out on a ledge / to get an edge / He willing to do it right / ‘cause his daughter need him home at night/ not laying on the board / at the morgue.”

“Graduates, y’all the real hustlers,” he said. “You’re adults who have gone back to grab something that you missed the first time….Today is major, and don’t let anybody tell you it’s not.”

Participating Organizations

The organizations with graduates taking part in the ceremony were:

1. JEVS Human Services
2. Congreso de Latinos Unidos
3. Temple’s Workforce Education and Lifelong Learning Program (Temple WELL)
4. Northeast Learning Center
5. Beyond Literacy

Commencement Address by Amira Sloan

Amira Sloan, the adult learner who presented this year’s commencement address, shared her personal journey and expressed gratitude for the program.

“This program helped me in so many ways and I will forever be grateful,” she said. “I learned that I am not as alone as I thought I was…I can now say with clarity, I have plans for my future that seem within my grasp. Before, it seemed I was just working and working at no end. I thought I would be at the same job for the rest of my life, but getting my GED has opened up so many doors for me.”

Importance of Adult Education and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Under the Office of Children and Families (OCF), Adult Education is focused on building a coherent, equitable, quality adult education system that can be sustained for generations to come. Adult education is fundamental for Philadelphians to achieve their individual potential, which in turn creates economic growth, reduces inequality, and fosters social inclusion.

The Office of Children and Families’ Adult Education division helps connect learners to the classes they need to achieve their personal goals, many of which include improving their job readiness, learning English, and supporting their child’s education.

Residents can call 1-833-750-5627 to get connected to adult education and workforce resources.

High School Equivalency Certification

The Commonwealth Secondary School Diplomas (CSSD) is a high school equivalency credential available to Pennsylvania residents who do not possess a high school diploma and who have met criteria in the Pennsylvania Code. The CSSD may be achieved by passing the GED® or HiSET® tests or by completing the 30 College Credit Option.

Photo Credit: Solomon Jones

Watch the ceremony on YouTube.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • 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.
   • 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.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
   • Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

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

The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

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

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:

– Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.

– Target 8.6: Substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.

– Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

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

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, based on the content, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

– Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in reading and mathematics.

– Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth not in education, employment, or training.

– Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

These indicators can help track the progress made in achieving the targets related to education, employment, and inclusion.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators