Adult Learners Graduate

Scott McCallum is now ready to fulfil his lifelong dream of helping people. Scott is graduating today, June 5, with the Nova Scotia High School Diploma for Adults. He is one of more than 40 students graduating from the Adult Learning Program at the Truro, Cumberland and Pictou campuses of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).

For Scott, returning to school boosted his confidence, communications skills and job prospects.

"My future plans include enrolling in the human services program, and in two years I hope to begin my career by working with the homeless," he said. "The experience and education that I received at NSCC enabled me to find a job right on campus for the summer, and I look forward to taking another course in the fall."

The Adult Learning Program is supported by the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning, which funds and co-ordinates a range of education programs for adults wanting to improve their reading and math skills or complete their high school diplomas.

"The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning gives adult learners a tremendous opportunity to return to learning so they can secure a brighter and rewarding future," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "It's all part of our provincial skills initiative to help people get the education and training they need to be successful in the home, workplace and community."

The School for Adult Learning is funded by the departments of Education and Community Services.

"Ensuring NSCC is accessible to all Nova Scotians who want to pursue formal learning is key to the province's economic, community and social development -- that is what the Adult Learning Program represents," said Mike Smith, NSCC's dean of access. "By creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment to acquire a high school diploma, adults can access new possibilities, and achieve a new foundation for future successes. NSCC is proud to partner with the Department of Education in this progressive initiative that will improve the lives of many Nova Scotians."

This year, more than 4,100 Nova Scotians were enrolled in programs supported by the School for Adult Learning at more than 170 sites across the province. The programs for adults are delivered by the Nova Scotia Community College, Université Sainte-Anne, five regional school boards and community-based learning organizations.

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning is part of the provincial government's Skills Nova Scotia initiative, which involves training and skills upgrading, from basic literacy to the use of the most sophisticated technologies.