Adult Opportunity Center

What is the AOC?

The Adult Opportunity Center includes two components:

ABLE (Adult Basic and Literacy Education) Program is funded by the State and Federal Government to provide services to the educationally disadvantaged in the five-county service area.

GED Testing – supported by the test fees of those taking the GED Test.

What is ABLE?

SSCC received its first ABE/ABLE funding in 1975. In the early days of the funding, the services were typically for GED preparation services. In the 1980’s, more emphasis was placed on literacy services. As the years have passed, we have added Family Literacy, Workplace Literacy, College Readiness, and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).  

ABLE provides educational services to adults in the five-county area. We serve 400 – 600 students per year at eight sights (four on campus and four off campus). Over the years, we have served over 16,000 students. A large number of our students are enrolled in SSCC or are preparing for enrollment.

ABLE Vision  

The Southern State Community College Adult Basic and Literacy Education Program will provide quality services to adults with an educational deficit (as determined through assessment) to enhance opportunities for development, improvement, and expansion of lifelong learning in their family, community, and work roles.  

The instructors are fully certified and receive training on a regular basis. Professional development activities are required by our grant and we always exceed the requirement.

How does ABLE fit with SSCC?  

Students who are not quite ready for college-level classes or who need a GED may come to the Adult Opportunity Center for assistance. The classes are free and the materials are furnished to anyone who qualifies: over 18 years of age with an educational deficit.  

What is the enrollment procedure?  

Students can register by telephoning or coming into the office at Central Campus. After registration, Orientation is the first step. The Orientation includes information about the program, completion of required forms, and assessment. Following Orientation, students enter class to work on the needed skills areas.    

What services does the AOC provide?  

Basic Skills: improving reading, writing, and math.  

GED Preparation: preparing students with the competencies required to pass the GED test.  

College Readiness: helping to prepare students who are interested in enrolling in college with skills necessary for success at that academic level.  

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): improving and developing English skills and developing a better understanding of the American Culture.  

Who uses the services?  

Residents of the 5-County service area (Adams, Brown, Clinton , Fayette, and Highland ) and surrounding areas come to the AOC classes for the above services.  

Workers come to upgrade skills to keep their jobs or to work toward promotion. Unemployed workers come to upgrade skills for new job.  

Parents come to refresh old skills or learn new ones so they can help their children with homework.  

College bound students who want to enroll in college but who are not quite ready academically can come to AOC College Readiness classes to brush up in reading, writing, or math skills.  

Residents whose first language is not English come to improve speaking and listening skills.

What is the cost?  

Classes are FREE and materials are furnished.  

How long do classes last?  

The time frame is based on individual needs. Some people need only a few hours; others need more. We look at your current academic level and your goal(s) and determine a plan for you. Student may go as fast or slow as they wish.  

Am I too old?  

You can be too young, but you are never too old to enroll in AOC classes. We have had students as old as 87, and we had an 81 year old who attained her GED.

Southern State: College Readiness  

What about the students who need additional assistance in math or English?  

The Adult Opportunity Center offers College Readiness math and College Readiness English classes. Requirements for participation include:

·         high school diploma/GED

·         be functioning just below college level/need to brush up  

The classes will be exclusive to students who need to work in math/English to be successful in college-level classes. This will be ideal for students who do not have an academic background sufficient to start college-level classes, who need more than Math 101 or English 100, or are not ready to tap into financial aid.  

These courses are offered at Central, Fayette, North, and South Campuses. These classes may be repeated, if necessary or desired. Students will not receive college credit.  

Students will work on a precise curriculum developed to enhance readiness for college level classes. The readiness classes will be specific to preparing for the college curriculum in math or English.  

Because classes are free to students, no financial aid will be necessary. This is advantageous to students as it saves their financial aid allocation for classes that will count toward a degree or transfer.