October 23, 2020

Adult Education Program graduates recognized

The Adult Education Department recognized 227 students at the end of September for completing a variety of programs. Students were recognized for completing English as a Second Language (ESL), High School Equivalency (HSE), Integrated Education and Training (IET), citizenship and scholarship programs.

The completion and recognition festivities are usually held in May, but were postponed to September and were held on Zoom due to the current COVID-19 environment and social distancing protocols.

“I am sure I speak for faculty and staff when I say there are many things we love about our jobs, but the annual graduation and end-of-year celebration tops the list,” said Jacqueline Lynch, dean, Adult Education. “Even though world events made the traditional celebration impossible, I want students to know how extraordinarily proud we are of them.”

The department was, however, able to invite 20 HSE graduates to an in-person cap and gown ceremony. HSE graduate Marisol Ibarra was selected as the keynote speaker for the event.

After completing the HSE Program, Ibarra, a professional caregiver and mother is now a first-generation college student. She was awarded the Triton College Board of Trustees Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year and is enrolled in prerequisite classes for the Nursing Program at Triton.

“People will forever recognize the Class of 2020 as a special group of students who faced unprecedented challenges. I know that these unique circumstances have strengthened their resolve to meet their goals, and to make a difference in their community and the world,” Lynch said.

The 227 Adult Education students that completed programs and received recognition included:

ESL Program Completers

Of the 76 ESL program completers, seven were designated as “Beginner to Completer,” meaning they began the program at the lowest level, made it through all levels and passed the highest level.

Westlake Health Foundation Scholarship Program Completers

Eleven students who began their studies at Triton in the Adult Education Department then transitioned to health career programs and graduated in 2020 with a certificate or degree.

Triton College Board of Trustees Scholarship Recipients

Nineteen Adult Education students who are planning to enroll in one of Triton’s degree or certificate programs.

CareeReady Program Completers

Forty-nine English as a Second Language (ESL) students who have college degrees from their native country, but are unemployed or underemployed in the United States are enrolled in the CareeReady Program.

Twenty-one received the Microsoft Office Specialist certificate.
Nineteen received the Microsoft Office Specialist plus an industry-recognized credential.
Twenty-six students completed the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL),which is a standardized test required for entry to a four-year college or university.

New American Citizens

Twelve ESL students who completed the U.S. naturalization process.