Transitional and Career Studies
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Through Adult Basic Education, adults who lack basic literacy skills can learn the skills necessary to obtain jobs and promotions, help their children with homework, exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens, improve math and literacy skills, and manage their finances more effectively. ABE is open to any adult 18 years of age or older who has not completed high school. Minors that are at least 16 years of age have the option to enroll with special permission from the local public-school system.
Adults who master the ABE levels may enroll in HSE, AHS, and other transitional classes to gain skills and certifications for employment in various career fields. Classes are conducted in various locations at times convenient to adult learners.
Adult High School Diploma (AHS)
The Adult High School Diploma Program provides adults with an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and consists of core courses required by the public school system along with electives offered by the community college. Students must have 22 units of credit to successfully complete the AHS program. Graduates may participate in a departmental graduation ceremony held at Lenoir Community College each spring. The College awards the diploma in conjunction with the Local Education Agency (LEA).
High School Equivalency (HSE)
Lenoir Community College organizes classes across the service area to prepare individuals to pass the HSE (high school equivalency) tests. The HSE official test covers content that a graduating senior is expected to know in Language Arts-Writing, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts-Reading, and Mathematics. Students attend classes until they demonstrate proficiency and successfully complete the HSE test battery. The HSE official test is offered in a computer-based and paper-based format. Graduates may participate in a departmental graduation ceremony held at Lenoir Community College each spring.
Multiple Measures of High School Equivalency (MPHSE)
Students may combine HSE scores, high school credits, and adult high school credits meeting specific requirements to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma.
English Language Acquisition (ELA)
The English Language Acquisition Program is designed to serve adult speakers of other languages. Adults study the English language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Basic math skills are also a component of the ELA curriculum. Knowledge necessary to become active and informed parents, workers, and community members is shared through resource toolkits. Additionally, students are offered a course of study to prepare for the establishment of permanent resident status or U.S. citizenship. Students are also given the opportunity to transition into HSE or AHS diploma classes if they did not complete high school.
Family Literacy
Family Literacy addresses critical factors that limit a family's ability to rise to a level of economic independence and self-sufficiency by integrating four essential components: adult education, parent and child time (PACT), parenting education, and employability skills. Additional programs offered through Family Literacy include HSE and ELA. The College and area LEAs work collaboratively to champion the causes of families through partnerships with other community agencies.
Gaining Occupational and Life Skills (G.O.A.L.S)
This program serves individuals with disabilities. Educational opportunities are centered on helping individuals become as independent and self-directed as possible through acquiring basic and life skills needed to function successfully in daily living. The curriculum focuses on academic skills, career awareness and exploration, and soft skills needed for daily living and employment. When students complete the program, a graduation ceremony is held and a transcript is awarded to the student to document the soft skills that the student has gained. The program is a direct partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation and the local school systems. If there is nothing the college has to offer the student after program is completed, the student is referred + VR.