The New England ABE-to-College Transition Project was launched in January 2000 by the New England Literacy Resource Center (NELRC) with funding from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. Its goal is to enable adult literacy program graduates to prepare for, enter, and succeed in postsecondary education so as to help them improve and enrich their own and their families' lives.

The project is aimed at GED graduates, Adult Diploma Program graduates, and adults who have been out of school for some time. The program of study is free and consists of instruction in pre-college reading, writing, and math skills, as well as computer and Internet skills. Students also learn study skills, receive educational and career counseling, and enroll in higher education. All programs work directly with colleges in their community to make the transition process as seamless as possible.

Checklists
The New England ABE-to-College Transition Project recognizes the critical role of counseling in assisting adults to transition to higher education. They have developed some checklists that help students and counselors work together to identify goals and follow up with progress. In addition, they have designed a financial aid planning guide to help demystify the process of applying for financial assistance. Taken together, these forms, when completed by student and counselor, also serve as a documentation system for students as they move toward their goals.

For more information on the New England ABE-to-College Transition Project and for tools to help develop or strengthen a college transition program, go to: www.collegetransition.org

Jessica Spohn is the director of the New England ABE-to-College Transition Project at the New Englad Literacy Resource Center at World Education. She can be reached by e-mail at: jspohn@worlded.org