Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS)

ABE Transition to Community Colleges Program

Information and Resources

ACLS provides funding and support to 12 Massachusetts community colleges to assist ABE/ESOL completers with a successful start in higher education. Transitions programs serve a variety of ABE students who have earned a GED or Adult Diploma in Massachusetts and ESOL students who have reached their goals in ACLS programs and wish to start college. Although Transitions serve students through a variety of program designs, there are some common features for all programs.

• Transitions programs provide all classes, books, materials and services to eligible students at no cost.
• All 12 programs provide college-preparatory classes in English and/or math to help students boost their academic skills.
• All students participate in a student success seminar, working on study skills and gaining information on access to the myriad of supports available at community colleges.
• Students benefit from a close advising/counseling relationship with Transitions staff and instructors. This includes helping students with decisions about program/degree choices and financial aid.

Students in the Transitions programs come primarily from ACLS-funded ABE/ESOL programs on a referral basis. Others may come through GED testing centers or social service agencies.

To be eligible for the Transition Program students must meet the following:

1. Be in need of courses in math, reading, and/or writing in order to prepare for college level work, as indicated through college placement testing;
2. Attended a Massachusetts DESE-funded GED, ABE or ESOL program, or completed the GED in Massachusetts within the last 10 years;
3. Have a GED or adult diploma;
4. Have demonstrated required academic skill levels; and
5. Are residents of Massachusetts.

ESOL Students:

ESOL students who have attended DESE-funded adult education programs are eligible for Transitions. In addition to the eligibility criteria above, the eligible ESOL students:

1. Have earned a GED, ADP, or have a verifiable a high school credential from their country that has been certified by the Center for Educational Documentation (CED).

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Source: www.doe.mass.edu/acls/mailings/2007/0309/
Accessed: 13 Nov 2008