GED hybrid class sees first students earn credential

Published: 08/06/2013

SCC’s tuition-free GED hybrid class allowed North the solution she was looking for – and it was the first step in the process to becoming what she wants to be – an EMT.

North, of St. Charles, admitted it was a little scary learning math on her own, but with help from the instructor, Shirley Berryman, along with her husband and son, she earned her GED credential.

“I thought the GED hybrid class was awesome, especially since I have kids and we are a one-income family,” North said.

SCC’s GED hybrid class combines online classwork with face-to-face instructional assistance, and is designed to help adults obtain the credentials needed to gain employment or move up in a current job.

The class is free to those who qualify and was made possible by the MoHealthWINs grant that was awarded to community colleges across the state and funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

While the class is online and self-paced, students are able to email or meet with Berryman for assistance. She spends some time on campus, as well as at off-campus sites in Clarksville, Elsberry, Montgomery City, O’Fallon, Troy and Warrenton, Mo.

In its first year, 95 students have enrolled in the GED Hybrid class.

SCC’s GED hybrid class is one of the tuition-free offerings made possible by the MoHealthWINs grant. SCC also has signed agreements with Jefferson College, Moberly Area Community College and Ozarks Technical Community College to offer tuition-free options for SCC students seeking healthcare careers.

This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.