June 12, 2009 – Wakefield, RI – The Education Exchange, a non-profit provider of adult literacy and job skills training programs, recently recognized three high school equivalency graduates who also successfully completed the College Preparatory Bridge-to-College program, offered by Dorcas Place in conjunction with the Community College of Rhode Island.
Through the Bridge-to-College program, qualified adults who meet income guidelines have the opportunity to gain the experience and confidence necessary to succeed in a college environment. In addition to attending a one-semester college class, free of charge, students also receive textbooks and supplies as well as tutoring, mentoring, computer access, admissions assistance, and support. These resources are provided at no cost to the student to relieve financial pressure as they strive to achieve their educational goals.
The Education Exchange students who participated in the Bridge-to-College program during the Spring semester also prepared for their high school equivalency at the Education Exchange during the 2008-2009 school year. They will be celebrating their graduation from the Education Exchange program on Wednesday, June 17, 2009.
Wendy Nelson and Daniel Bonacore, who will each graduate with a GED, successfully completed an Introduction to Business class at CCRI Newport. Karina Filippini was originally an ESL student at the Education Exchange; she continued her studies and will graduate this Wednesday through the External Diploma Program (EDP). She also attended CCRI Newport and successfully completed a class in Developmental Writing.
The Education Exchange students were among nine participants who successfully completed the Bridge-to-College program at CCRI in Newport this Spring. All three have been accepted to CCRI and plan to continue their college education in the Fall of 2009.
About the Education Exchange
For thirty years, the Education Exchange has enriched the lives of southern Rhode Islanders by providing affordable, convenient, and accessible adult education programs. Classes, seminars, and workforce training opportunities available at the Education Exchange help students improve their lives and achieve their goals in the classroom, the workplace, and the community. More information is available online at www.EducationExchangeRI.org or by calling 401-783-0293.
About the Bridge-to-College Program
The Bridge-to-College Program is offered by Dorcas Place and the Community College of Rhode Island to provide low income, first-generation adults with an opportunity to take a tuition-free one-semester class at the Community College of Rhode Island, as a starting point for a college career. Students also receive, at no charge, textbooks, supplies, tutoring, mentoring, computer access, admissions assistance and support. After completing the semester long Bridge Program, students are prepared for full-time enrollment the following semester. For more information about the Bridge-to-College program, visit www.DorcasPlace.org/programs/collegeprep.html.
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