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Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD A student's journey to complete his or her education can be long and full of obstacles or even stalled by circumstances beyond control. However, reaching one's destination and obtaining a degree is "all about creating pathways" previously unexplored, according to William Messner, president of Holyoke Community College (HCC). In light of the recent demand for General Education Diploma (GED) classes in Westfield, city officials in conjunction with the Westfield Athenaeum, the Westfield Business Improvement District (BID) and Domus Inc. have teamed up with HCC to offer the courses at the Athenaeum for a fee of $25 per student. The total cost of each session will be approximately $1,800, which will be raised through fundraising. Lisa McMahon, executive director of the Westfield BID, said she is already in talks with several local businesses interested in sponsoring the courses. She explained that local businesses understand the importance of having an educated workforce in the city, which will increase productivity and encourage workers to remain in Westfield. Ken White, dean of Community Services at HCC, noted that the college offers GED programs in many of the surrounding towns such as Ludlow, Northampton, Palmer and West Springfield but has been unable to bring these services to Westfield until now. He added that he is very encouraged by the outpouring of support from city officials for the initiative. White said part of the mission of HCC under President Messner is to "bring the campus to the community" and take a more active role in delivering educational services to those in need. He added that the college will also aid GED students in making the transition to HCC, Westfield State College or other institutions of their choice. Christopher Lindquist, director of the Athenaeum, explained that library patrons are often inquiring about GED courses and the half dozen preparatory books are constantly signed out. At last week's press conference announcing the inception of the courses in Westfield, Mayor Michael Boulanger said, "This is a wonderful opportunity for the city of Westfield to combine forces to provide assistance for residents to advance themselves." He said that the program is not just for youth but all those seeking to further their education, adding that obtaining a GED opens doors of opportunity for future career growth." The classes will be in session Tuesday and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., over the course of 14 weeks beginning in October. Each session can accommodate 18 students. Scholarships will also be available for students unable to afford the $25 fee. A local instructor is also being sought to teach the classes. Those interested should mail their resume to White at HCC, 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040 or e-mail it to kwhite@hcc.mass.edu. Those wishing to make a donation to help fund the GED courses should mailed to Westfield Community Education, c/o Domus Inc., 4 School St., Westfield, MA 01085. For more information or to inquire about the date of the open house, call the Athenaeum's Reference Desk at 568-7833. | ||||||
