World Education, Inc.

United States: Powerful Partnership—World Education, Nellie Mae Education Foundation and Citizens Bank Help Adults Go to College

Julie Connelly from Citizens Bank, with Daniel Emery, an adult learner who has been able to transition to college with the support of World Education.

When Daniel Emery was in high school, he struggled with learning disabilities and had little support from friends and family. He became frustrated and insecure about his ability to learn. There were few positive outlets for Daniel, and he eventually turned to drugs and alcohol. With the support of a rehabilitation program, however, he turned his life around and was able to imagine a better life for himself. Daniel knew he wanted to return to school, yet he still felt he wasn't capable of learning.

Like Daniel, many low-income adults would like to go to college, but lack the financial resources and feel unprepared for college-level classes. In 2000, World Education launched the Adult Basic Education (ABE)-to-College Transition Project, in collaboration with local adult education providers, to help adults enter and succeed in college. Students learn both academic and study skills and how to navigate the college environment.

For the past two years, Citizens Bank has provided scholarships for transition program graduates in Massachusetts. According to Julie Connelly, Senior Vice President and Community Reinvestment Director for Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, "These inspirational scholarship recipients demonstrate what great strides people can make with determination and support. Citizens Bank is proud to work with World Education to support individuals in our communities as they transition into higher education."

Daniel's girlfriend encouraged him to enroll in the college transition program operated by the Adult Education Center at Northern Essex Community College, one of 25 local partner programs with whom World Education works. Soon, he began to feel differently about himself and his ability to learn. "Before the program, I had no plans to go to school. I didn't feel capable of learning. When I enrolled, I thought I'd give it a shot, although I wasn't sure how I would make out. But then I started to believe in myself." The program provided Daniel with the tools and resources he needed to go to college. He was able to refresh his math and verbal skills, learn about accessing financial aid, and develop ways to study efficiently. Most importantly, he learned that it was okay to ask for help and that support was available to help him overcome his learning disabilities.

After graduating from the college transition program, Daniel enrolled in college-level classes at Northern Essex Community College, where he's focusing on business management and hopes to learn the skills that will help him start his own landscaping business. He has been working hard, seeking additional support from tutors and disciplining himself to stay focused. Since starting college, his perspective has changed, "I believe that my dreams are possible and they will come true. I think about myself and my future differently. I'm disciplined now. I look at college as a way to get what I want, to get a degree and to reach a goal." After his first semester, Daniel knew his hard work was paying off when he received all A's, something he had never done before.

Daniel is no longer afraid of school and he has developed the skills and the mindset he needs to succeed in college. However, perseverance and confidence would not be enough without the support of Citizens Bank and World Education's transition program. The Citizens Bank scholarship has helped Daniel by covering a variety of expenses, "I was having a tough time traveling back and forth to school because of my schedule. Sometimes, I'd have to go home and then go back to the math lab for help. Just having the extra money for gas made a big difference. I'm incredibly thankful for their support!"

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