X-CEL, Inc. Adult Education Services

Click here for photos from graduation

On Friday, June 18th, a standing-room-only crowd gathered at The Salvation Army in Roxbury to celebrate X-Cel’s 2010 GED Graduation. We are excited to report that over the past year 59 X-Cel students passed their GED exam, which is an all-time record for X-Cel since our founding in 2000. 24 GED graduates were joined by family, friends, X-Cel staff, volunteers and board members to celebrate this important step on their educational journey. 80% of the GED graduates at our 2010 GED Graduation are already attending X-Cel’s College Prep Program or have already begun their post-secondary education.

Two of our GED graduates shared their stories and thoughts with all of us. Sonia Cartagena, who is currently attending Bunker Hill Community College, spoke of being inspired by X-Cel staff and her determination to keep going until college graduation. George Ball who is currently attending X-Cel’s College Prep Program and will begin attending Bunker Hill Community College in September, shared how grateful he was to X-Cel staff and to his family and friends who never gave up on him and whose support is always there when he needs it.

We were all inspired by Tawanna Fulton, Academic Support Coordinator at Codman Academy as she shared her story as a young single mom taking and passing the GED, struggling to raise her kids while attending college. She had a dream which was to graduate from college to give her children a better future. Tawanna told graduates how difficult it was as a parent to have homework due everyday while working to put food on the table. Today all the sacrifice is paying off because not only did Tawanna graduate, but also she set a standard for all her family: her oldest daughter graduated from college; her oldest son is enrolled in college; and her youngest kids are already planning to go to college.

Following the ceremony, we gathered for a reception, catered by Dawn Castro, an X-Cel College Prep graduate, who recently completed her Associates Degree in Culinary Arts from Bunker Hill Community College. X-Cel volunteers, who give of themselves week after week all year long teaching our students math, reading, and writing skills, did not take a break from their giving at graduation, but stepped up and served the food to all our graduates and guests. All in all, it was an inspiring and beautiful evening.

The Boston Youth-to-College Initiative, a partnership between X-Cel, Inc, STRIVE/Boston Employment Services, and Bunker Hill Community College was chosen as one of eight collaborations from across the United States to be funded as part of The National Youth Employment Coalition’s Postsecondary Success Initiative, beginning in January 2010. This initiative is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.

The Boston Youth-to-College Initiative will prepare 45 young adults, age 18 – 26 for successful entry into college and will support them through to completion of a college credential. X-Cel has already begun the first of three 14-week cycles of college prep classes, each of which will serve 15 young adults. The college prep classes include four components: academic preparation for college, college success skills, assistance with the application process, and support through completion of a credential.

The academic preparation focuses on giving the students experience with college-level assignments, including writing papers, Internet research, group presentations, and improving their academic skills, so that they will place into college-level classes.

The college success component consists of workshops to teach note-taking, reading college texts, time management, college vocabulary, career exploration, and various strategies to deal with challenges that interfere with college success.

The third component consists of individual assistance for each student to apply for financial aid, complete the college application, take the college placement test, take a tour of the college campus, meet with a college academic advisor, and register for classes.

Finally, the Boston Youth-to-College Initiative will provide follow-up and support to students once they enter college. Staff will assist students with course selection and provide tutoring, mentoring and referrals to support services so that students can focus on their studies and stay on track to graduate on time.

The partners in this initiative, X-Cel, STRIVE and Bunker Hill Community College will work together to provide individual case management and academic support for two years once the 45 students enroll in their first college semester. The goal is for all students to complete a certificate or an Associate’s degree at BHCC or another college.