First High School Diplomas for Adults Granted

Nearly 150 adult Nova Scotians are in the first graduating class of the new Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning.

The school grants the new Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma for Adults. Twenty-seven graduates are receiving the diploma at Nova Scotia Community College convocations in Halifax and Dartmouth this week.

The school and diploma were created by the Department of Education to give adults a recognized credential for having completed courses for their high school education. The diploma is similar to the credential granted to traditional high school students, but is earned in ways that are more suited to adult learners.

"This diploma is a stepping stone toward a brighter future," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "A high school education has become necessary for many more jobs in our economy. These graduates now have the foundation they need to pursue those jobs and further education."

Laura King of Halifax is an Adult Learning Program graduate from Nova Scotia Community College, Halifax Campus. After 10 years out of high school and recovering from an addiction, she is graduating with honours today, June 19, and receiving the high school diploma for adults.

"Walking across the stage means a lot to me. The program opened my mind to learn, and it gave me the confidence to know that I can do it," she said. "We all have to take responsibility for who and where we are -- that's life. I can't tell you how glad I am that I've gotten it together."

Ms. King plans to take the Motor Vehicle Repair program at the college's Institute of Technology Campus beginning in September.

Adult learners can earn credits toward the diploma through several education organizations. The School for Adult Learning provides funding to education organizations to cover tuition for eligible adults. It also provides advice to help students take the right courses in the right location to meet their goals.

Nova Scotia Community College is one of the organizations offering courses leading to the diploma. More than 800 students are enrolled in the Adult Learning Program at 11 of the college's 13 campuses. Students can enter the program throughout the calendar year.

This June, 112 students are graduating from the program and receiving the high school diploma for adults. Eleven students graduated from the college's Halifax Campus today, June 19. Sixteen students will graduate from the Akerley Campus on June 20.

"The Adult Learning Program is fundamentally about removing barriers by meeting learners where they are and thereby opening a world of opportunity that previously did not exist," said Ray Ivany, president of the Nova Scotia Community College. "NSCC is proud to be a partner in helping students earn the high school diploma for adults. The Department of Education is to be commended on such a progressive policy initiative that will improve the lives of many Nova Scotians."

Adult learners aiming for the diploma can also attend classes at Collège de l'Acadie and adult high schools. Where and what they study depend on their prior learning, their goals and when and where they are able to attend classes.

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning was launched in September 2001. It is currently supporting more than 3,000 students enrolled at various levels of study with participating education organizations.

In addition to the June 2002 college graduates, more than 40 adults will be granted the diploma after earning credits through other education organizations.

The School for Adult Learning operates with $3.7 million in provincial funding each year. The Department of Education provides $3.2 million of this funding while the Department of Community Services provides $500,000. Human Resources Development Canada is also supporting the school.