LaGuardia CC gets $125,000 grant

Adult students completing high school equivalency studies (GED) will have an extra incentive and motivation to continue pursuing their education at LaGuardia Community College thanks to a $125,000 grant from the MetLife Foundation.
LaGuardia’s GED Bridge to Business Careers Program aims to help more than 100 underserved adults transition from basic education courses to an Associate Degree in business.
“The MetLife grant enables LaGuardia to transform the lives of Queens residents, moving them from the lowest paying jobs to rewarding careers,” said LaGuardia Community College President Gail O. Mellow. “Students will be on a fast track to receive the education they need to be full participants in today’s economy.”
The program will offer students a specialized GED course of study focusing on business-themed reading, writing and math as well as workshops on career development, study skills and technology. The students who are completing the GED program, will be enrolled in accredited courses to earn their business degree.
“The newly developed GED curriculum gives students the opportunity to learn about specialized business related content,” said Dr. Paul Acario, Dean of Academic Affairs. “This new GED course will help students understand financial concepts and structures as well as use many of the foundational math skills tested on the GED.”
Nearly 20 percent of Queens adults do not have a high school diploma or GED so officials hope that the GED Bridge to Business Careers Program will address the issue by assisting students pass the GED exam and at the same time prepare them to pursue business degrees at the college.
The MetLife Foundation’s Pathways to Student Success grant initiative supports expansion of proven methods and introduction of innovative strategies to aid disadvantaged students in preparing for college, gaining essential knowledge and skills in college, completing degrees and securing employment.
Throughout the years, the MetLife Foundation has worked with community colleges to provide educational opportunities for a number of first-generation, minorities, part-time, working and career-changing students.
“Community colleges play a vital role by providing opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds to develop the skills they need for economic stability and success in life,” said Sibyl Jacobson, President of the MetLife Foundation. “These grants respond to the needs of aspiring students in ways that will help assure more of them reach their goals.”