Adult Learners Graduate at NSCC in Halifax

Sherry Wilson knows the value of a high school diploma. She dropped out of high school at age 15 to work and help her family, but in recent years, she had trouble finding a job.

"Every interview I went to required my high school diploma, something I never had," said Ms. Wilson. "As a mother of three children, my biggest fear was that my children would think that education was not important because I didn't finish high school."

Two years ago, Ms. Wilson graduated with her high school diploma for adults from the Nova Scotia Community College in Halifax, and immediately went on to pursue the Business Administration Diploma program at the college. She now has a job as an office manager at a Halifax-based internet and IT company.

"My children now understand that education is the key to success in any career they choose," Ms. Wilson added.

Sherry Wilson will graduate with around 500 students from NSCC in Halifax today, June 14, at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium. She will receive her Business Administration Diploma and will be class valedictorian at the ceremony. More than 80 of these students will receive their high school graduation diploma for adults, part of the Adult Learning Program.

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

"Through the School for Adult Learning, Nova Scotians, like Sherry, get the skills they need to succeed at home, at work and in the community," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "The school is part of our effort to ensure people can return to learning and help pave the way to a brighter future for themselves and their families."

About 4,800 Nova Scotians are enrolled in programs supported by the School for Adult Learning at more than 170 sites across the province.

"By creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment to acquire a high school diploma, adults can access new possibilities and achieve a solid foundation for future success," said Mike Smith, NSCC's dean of access. "NSCC is proud to partner with the Department of Education in this progressive initiative that will improve the lives of many Nova Scotians."

The School for Adult Learning is funded by the departments of Education and Community Services, and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

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 workplace learning and job skills training.