Free Adult Basic Skills class offered quarterly through PCC’s modernized program

Piedmont Community College’s (PCC) Adult Basic Skills (ABS) program will begin offering free classes every quarter beginning July 2. The new schedule will offer more opportunities for students to enroll in classes that will help with obtaining a high school equivalency diploma.

Orientation classes for new students, or returning students who have been out of the program for 90 days or more, will be offered for each quarter, as well. The start dates for these classes are July 2, October 1, January 2, 2019, and April 1, 2019.

PCC’s ABS program provides classes to adults who need to prepare for a HiSET or GED® test to earn their high school equivalency diploma, or to improve basic reading, writing, math, and computer literacy skills. Classes can also assist with improving English as a second language in order to enter college, employment, or a job training program.

These classes are offered free of charge and part of the Workforce Opportunity Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Title II program.

According to Debra Harlow, ABS Dean, the program once focused on basic education skills and high school completion; however, the current focus is on a high school equivalency diploma and basic skills as stepping stones towards work, college, or career readiness.

With that in mind, ABS instruction in reading, writing, math, social studies, and science relate to the world of work or college prep, not just to a GED® test or a HiSET® test. ABS is the first step for adult learners to obtain the foundation skills to help them succeed in a job training program, employment or college courses.

“This is not your grandma’s adult education program! It is designed to provide the skills you need for workforce or college success,” Debra Harlow offered.

The ABS program at PCC is also portable, meaning that classes can be offered at community sites where there is sufficient interest and an appropriate free space available.

For additional information on class registration or how to offer a class in your community, visit https://www.piedmontcc.edu/abs or contact the local ABS Team at (336) 322-2155 in Person County or (336) 694-8057 in Caswell County.