Transition Services for Adult Education Students

Are you enrolled in Adult Education or ESL classes? Do you want to take the next steps in identifying your career and educational goals?  FCC’s transition specialist is here to help you create an individual educational plan so you can make your goals a reality.   Call 301-846-2483 to make an appointment.

Here are some frequently asked questions that you may find helpful.

 

1. What services does the transition specialist provide for adult education students?
   

   Students can make an appointment with the transition specialist to discuss their career and educational goals. To schedule an appointment, call 301 846-2483.  It is important to make an appointment before registering for the GED exam    The transition specialist can help you create an educational plan as a guide for moving forward.
   In some cases, an adult education student already knows that college will be the next step.   The transition specialist can assist this student with understanding the college enrollment process.  Other students may not be clear on their career goals.  These students might benefit from taking a career assessment and conducting research to determine their career interests.  Once a student determines his/her goal, the transition specialist can assist with finding an appropriate educational or training program.

2. Why is it important to think about additional training and education, even though I have not yet completed my Adult Education classes?

   More training and education can increase your skills and earning power.  The Maryland Skills2Compete Initiative encourages at least two years of education and training beyond the high school diploma.  A short-term training program can help you gain new skills. Workers with more skills may earn higher wages.

3.  I need to work while I attend college.  How can I obtain help with my job search?

   Many adults attend college part-time and work full-time.  If you need to find a new or different job, there are resources to help you.  While working, you can create a college class schedule that fits around your work schedule.   FCC offers classes during the daytime, in the evening, and online.  
   
   If you are looking for a job, a good place to start is Frederick County Workforce Services. The Maryland Workforce Exchange lists job openings and you can search by zip code. FCC’s Career and Transfer Center is another resource to help you clarify your career goals.
4. I know the job I am interested in requires licensing or certification. How do I obtain this training?

   FCC offers career training programs that lead to licensing or certification.  Some of these programs are in the allied health field, building trades technologies, business, accounting and hospitality. These accredited programs prepare you to start a new career.  In some cases, the training programs can be completed in a few months. To learn more about the variety of short-term career training programs, click here.
   
   For information on our Allied Health programs, click here. For information on our Construction & Building Trades programs, click here.

5. Are there services for an adult student who wants to enroll in college classes at FCC?

   Adults going to college have busy lives as they juggle classes, work, and family. At FCC, there are services to help you meet your goals of attending classes and learning new skills. To ease your transition to the classroom, the Office of Adult Services addresses individual needs and offers support. Whether you need childcare so you can attend class, help with study skills, or financial assistance to pay for classes, the Office of Adult Services can help. Call 301.846.2483 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
6. How do I find out about financial aid to pay for college or career training?

   There are several types of financial assistance available to help you pay for college.  FCC’s Office of Financial Aid can help you learn about the financial aid process.  In addition, Frederick County Workforce Services has limited funding for specific training programs for dislocated workers and for unemployed citizens of Frederick County.

   For single parents and displaced homemakers, the Office of Adult Services offers financial assistance with tuition and books and reimbursement with child care and transportation. Funds are limited and are awarded based on financial need.