Stepping Up for Success: New Opportunities for Adult Education

By: Jennifer Jones, Employment Navigator

For the families we serve, the lack of a completed high school education can limit opportunities in the workforce. Many of our families wanted to take HiSET classes, but it was often difficult to find availability with the teacher shortage in Davidson County. Removing this significant challenge would open doors for our families, so I decided to earn my Teacher Certification to provide these muchneeded classes. I work closely with Workforce Essentials, Inc. on the classroom curriculum, which offers a non-traditional classroom setting with hybrid learning.

This program has helped me be more confident in myself, build stability, and overcome obstacles. It’s like we are all a family.

I launched the inaugural ‘Step Up with Safe Haven’ program in October with five families enrolled. The program provides HiSET classes in addition to job training opportunities and career exploration, and we invite our corporate and higher education partners to speak at our program sessions. We focus on the families and overcoming barriers. Our weekly

programs also include dinner and childcare for the families in the program. Laptops are provided for use during the program, and each student who graduates from the program receives a laptop of their own. We are planning a graduation ceremony for our first class!

This is an incredible program for our families and may be the only one of its kind in Davidson County. “This is one of the best programs I’ve ever been a part of. It has helped me with my life in so many ways,” said Jessica, a student of the Step Up program. “This program has helped me be more confident in myself, build stability, and overcome obstacles. It’s like we are all a family. I am close to my classmates, and I know that I can lean on them any time. Jennifer [Jones] is optimistic, outgoing and flexible with schedules. Having childcare in the class has helped me overcome a previous barrier to obtaining my HiSet. I know that if I can count on anyone, it will be Jennifer to help me reach my goals. I’m so much more confident than I’ve ever been because of this Safe Haven adult learning program.”