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WEBSTER CITY -- Over the past 10 years, students from ages 17 to 70 have taken advantage of the free High School Equivalency Degree (HiSED) program offered at the Iowa Central Community College Webster City campus.
Two instructors lead the classroom instruction. Paula Persell-Brain, who has been with the program for eight years and also serves as a career navigator, and John Hughel, whose teaching career in the GED and HiSED programs has spanned more than 40 years.
Studying for the HiSED is no small task. Students must pass five subject area exams: reading, writing, math, science and social studies.
The HiSED program uses a self-paced, computerized curriculum that is tailored to each student's needs. Students take assessment tests and the curriculum adjusts to the student's knowledge base, so students only study what they do not know.
The instructors work one on one with students in all subject areas to ensure student comprehension and confidence in the subject matter.
Upon completion of the program, students who enroll at Iowa Central part time receive a $250 scholarship. Those attending full time receive a $500 scholarship.
The program currently graduates an average of 20 students per year.
Instructors assess the needs of the students and assist interested students with enrollment into non-credit integrated career pathway programs after the completion of the HiSED program. These non-credit classes include CNA -- Certified Nursing Assistant, welding and CDL -- Commercial Drivers License -- programs.
Once enrolled, the career navigators help students remove barriers to continuing their education by finding solutions for daycare, transportation and program material costs.
Maria Gomez is a recent graduate of both the HiSED program and the integrated CNA program. She started the HiSED program with trepidation after being out of traditional school for a number of years. Yet with perseverance and guidance from her instructors, she not only completed her HiSED, but also her CNA and has gone on to become a phlebotomist.
Looking ahead, Melissa Vorrie, director of adult education and literacy, said, "The goal is to increase integrated classes to serve the region and to increase HiSED enrollment."
To learn more about all of the education opportunities in this program, text Paula Persell-Brain at 507-200-1319.
The next orientation sessions are March 4 and March 6.