91ӣ����Ƶ is proud to announce the launch of its High School Equivalency (HSE) Bootcamp, an accelerated program designed to help adult learners complete their high school equivalency credential. While the time required to earn a high-school equivalency varies based on individual circumstances, the bootcamp is specifically designed for students who are close to completion. Through targeted instruction and dedicated support, students are encouraged and equipped to successfully cross the finish line and transition into further education or workforce training.

According to Dr. LaShawnda Washington, dean of College and Career Readiness and Human Resources Development at ECC, the HSE Bootcamp was developed through collaboration among College and Career Readiness (CCR) leaders across the state who recognized a growing need to support students approaching the finish line for their equivalency requirements. With an increasing number of individuals seeking to enroll in college for the fall semester, the program offers a focused and structured pathway to help students achieve their goals more efficiently.

The six-week accelerated format combines curriculum aligned with official assessment standards, experienced instructors, continuous assessment practices, and individualized student support and feedback. Participants benefit from small group and individualized instruction tailored to their academic needs.

Registration will be held at the following locations:

• Tarboro campus: Building C, Room 64 | April 27–28 | 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
• Rocky Mount campus: Barnes Building, Room 232 | April 27–28 | 8 a.m.– 3 p.m.

During registration, students will complete reading and math assessments to determine their individualized study plans.

Bootcamp classes will take place May 19 through June 18, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and/or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A typical day in the program includes targeted instruction, skill-building activities, and guided preparation aligned with testing requirements.

To support student success, the program offers a variety of wraparound services, including academic remediation in math, science, reading, writing and social studies. Additional support includes transportation assistance (bus tokens) and childcare referrals through community partnerships.

The college is collaborating with Down East Partnership for Children to provide childcare referral services, ensuring participants have access to essential family support resources.

“Our goal is to equip students with the academic, social, and career readiness skills needed to pursue higher education and meaningful employment,” said Washington. “This program not only supports individual achievement, but also strengthens our community by increasing literacy rates and expanding the local workforce.”

For more information or to register for the HSE Bootcamp, contact Washington at (252) 618-6704.

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The 10-week program is designed for adults seeking to earn a high school equivalency credential quickly and conveniently. Students will complete coursework remotely for 10 weeks, with official testing being integrated during weeks five through 10. Participants meet one on one with instructors weekly at ECC’s Tarboro or Rocky Mount campus for personalized support, which includes advising and remediation.

“This program offers students flexibility in that they have the opportunity to have one-on-one instruction combined with the independent study and schedule flexibility,” said Dr. LaShawnda Washington, director of college and career readiness at ECC.

In addition to distance learning options, ECC is expanding the program to community-based sites, including Weeks Armstrong Homes in Rocky Mount, faith-based organizations and other locations. “We are taking instruction to the community,” Washington added. “Any site that meets program requirements and has interested students can become a partner through a Memorandum of Agreement.”

For more information or to register as a community-based site, contact Washington at (252) 618-6704. Students interested in enrolling at ECC may contact enrollment offices: (252) 618-6707 (Rocky Mount campus) or (252) 618-6680 (Tarboro campus).

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Pictured l-r are Dr. Jacquline Wilson,Terry Chapman, Dr. LaShawnda Washington and Desmond Sykes.

Written by Dr. LaShawnda Washington

In a major stride toward advancing digital equity and instructional innovation, five employees from 91ӣ����Ƶ’s Division of College and Career Readiness have earned certifications from the prestigious Digital Resilience in the American Workforce (DRAW) initiative. This national program, designed to strengthen the digital skills of adult educators and workforce staff, equips educators to lead 21st-century learners with confidence, creativity and compassion.

The certification recipients include Dr. LaShawnda Washington, director of college and career readiness, along with division instructors Dr. Jacqueline Wilson, Desmond Sykes, Terry Chapman and Varnell Kinnin. Each participant successfully completed rigorous training, an individual Capstone project, collaborated on a team-based Capstone project, and explored emerging technologies that enhance learning and workforce development outcomes.

DRAW, a federally supported initiative led by the EdTech Center at World Education and powered by the U.S. Department of Education, is focused on integrating digital literacy into adult education and workforce programs. The initiative addresses disparities in technology access, supports innovation in teaching, and prepares learners for success in an increasingly digital society.

“This certification reflects our commitment to being forward-thinking educators,” said Washington. “As technology evolves, so must our instructional methods. We must remain on the leading edge of educational technology and instructional design to ensure our adult learners are not left behind. This certification ensures that our instructors are not just teaching with technology—they are teaching through it.”

Throughout the program, participants examined best practices in digital instruction, assessed digital tools for learning environments, and tackled real-world challenges that affect adult learners—particularly in rural and underserved communities.

“In rural areas like ours, access to reliable technology and broadband internet is still a challenge,” said Sykes. “This training gave me strategies to help bridge those gaps for our students.”

Chapman emphasized the importance of professional development in this area. “To bridge the digital divide, we must first bridge the instructional divide. Many of our students are eager to learn, but we have to be just as eager to grow as educators. DRAW has given us the tools to meet learners where they are and move them forward.”

With their new certifications in hand, the college and career readiness team are already implementing strategies from DRAW into classrooms, community programs and student support services—empowering learners to thrive in the modern workforce.

The achievement marks not only a milestone for individual educators, but also a step forward for the entire region’s workforce development efforts. As Washington notes, “This is about more than digital skills—it’s about resilience, opportunity and a future that includes everyone.”

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The NC Association of Black High School Alumni has donated $500 to support students in the High School Equivalency program at 91ӣ����Ƶ. From left are Dr. LaShawnda Washington, director of College and Career Readiness at ECC, and Varnell Kinnin, College and Career readiness instructor and interim president of the NCABHSA.

The North Carolina Association of Black High School Alumni (NCABHSA) recently donated $500 to the College and Career Readiness division at 91ӣ����Ƶ.

The NCABHSA is composed of alumni of African American high schools that closed in response to desegregation. The organization was established in 2008 to preserve the history of the schools and includes schools in Edgecombe, Nash, Pitt, Wilson, and Halifax counties.

Over the years, the organization has given approximately $2,000 to the ECC High School Equivalency program. Funds have purchased High School Equivalency testing fees and graduation caps and gowns. The NCABHSA, led by Varnell Kinnin, interim president, believes in paying it forward, that helping students realize their dream of earning their high school equivalency diploma is an important mission.

“Everyone doesn’t reach the finish line at the same time,” Kinnin explains. “Life happens, stuff happens. All students, whether they are 16 or 66, deserve a chance to fulfill their dream of graduating. This donation will assist with paying assessment fees, because paying the fees can pose a hardship for students who aren’t working.”

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Students in an 91ӣ����Ƶ High School Equivalency Diploma class recently made therapy bands to benefit senior adults in the therapy and rehabilitation program at ECU Health. “I wanted my students to give back to the community, and they were excited to do it,” says Varnell Kinnin, College and Career Readiness instructor. Kinnin got the idea when she made a therapy band to use in her own rehab treatment. From left are David Harris, Amber Long, Sanila Clark, Varnell Kinnin, Na’Talyia Thorton, William Anderson, Mason Sullivan, and Gabriel Hoggard.

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On Saturday, February 3, gospel group Curtis Joyner and Resurrection will tell the Black history story through gospel music. The performance begins at 5 p.m. in Keihin Auditorium on the Tarboro campus.

Join 91ӣ����Ƶ for two special events in February to celebrate Black History Month.

The monthlong observance began as Negro History Week in 1926 by author and historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Black History Month became a national celebration in 1976 when President Gerald Ford recognized it at the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration.

On February 3, gospel group Curtis Joyner and Resurrection will tell the Black history story through gospel music, sharing the powerful influence of gospel music on the evolution of African American culture and music in America.

The performance begins at 5 p.m. in Keihin Auditorium on the Tarboro campus and is part of the Edgecombe Performance Series.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. For more information, please contact Event Manager Doneva Chavis at tickets@edgecombe.edu.

The public is invited to the Rocky Mount campus on February 22 for a program on “Black History: Strong Roots, Amazing Achievements.” The free event begins at 12 p.m. in McBryde Auditorium in the Lamm Building.

The program will include special music led by Minister Willie Moore. Guest speaker is Mayor Bobby Jones of Princeville.

The Black history event is cosponsored by the ECC Division of College and Career Readiness and the Student Government Association.

To learn more, please contact Dr. LaShawnda Washington, director of College and Career Readiness, at washingtonl@edgecombe.edu.

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Desmond Sykes, an instructor with the Division of College and Career Readiness at 91ӣ����Ƶ, has developed an onboarding training program for new CCR instructors.

The Division of College and Career Readiness at 91ӣ����Ƶ is among NC community colleges that are leading the way in developing new strategies for training instructors.

Desmond Sykes, College and Career Readiness (CCR) instructor, completed an intensive train-the-trainer program earlier this year. Among other requirements, he developed an onboarding professional development system for new instructors.

A focus of College and Career Readiness is to assist adults who have not earned a high school credential by helping them prepare to take the high school equivalency exam and continue on to post-secondary education and/or enter the workforce.

As Sykes explains, “While all of our students are focused on earning their high school credential, they may have varying levels of education. Some may have dropped out after the eighth grade, and others may lack just one or two high school credits. In addition, they could be anywhere from 18 to 80+ years old.

“Our instructors have to be prepared to teach all of these students,” he continues. “We use videos, music, engaging PowerPoints, and other creative tools to teach lessons. We also encourage our students to focus on what lies ahead, whether it’s to matriculate to college-level programs and/or compete for employment opportunities. Their high school credential is not an end, it’s a beginning.”

According to Dr. LaShawnda Washington, director of ECC CCR, Sykes’ onboarding training program will be used as a model for other programs throughout the state. “Mr. Sykes is a shining star in the College and Career Readiness arena in the state. We are fortunate to have him on our team at 91ӣ����Ƶ.”

In 2022, Sykes instructed the Transition to Digital Skills class, a course that enables CCR students to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to be more proficient in the use of technology.

The course teaches computing basics, how to use the internet and email, social media etiquette, and career search skills. Students learn how to navigate the Microsoft Office suite of products, which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Once students have completed lessons on each application, Sykes presents them with a certificate of completion.

Students enrolled in CCR programs can enroll in the Transition to Digital Skills course free of charge while they are working to obtain their high school equivalency credential.

To learn more about earning a high school credential at ECC, please contact Desmond Sykes at sykesd@edgecombe.edu or Dr. LaShawnda Washington at washingtonl@edgecombe.edu.

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91ӣ����Ƶ’s College and Career Readiness instructors recently earned Career Pathways Leadership certification. From left are Desmond Sykes, Katrina Sessoms-Holder, and Dr. LaShawnda Washington.

Instructors in 91ӣ����Ƶ’s Division of College and Career Readiness (CCR) recently earned Career Pathways Leadership credentials.

The instructors received training at the Coalition of Adult Basic Education Conference in April.

Training focused on academic achievement, building partnerships, career planning, funding, professional development, program design and delivery, sector identification, and employer engagement.

“Career Pathways Leadership certification will enable us to better advise our students and help them further their education beyond the high school credential,” says Dr. LaShawnda Washington, CCR director.

College and Career Readiness assists adults who have not earned a high school credential by helping them prepare to take the high school equivalency exam and continue on to post-secondary education and/or enter the workforce.

Students work at their own pace. Classes are taught on ECC’s Tarboro and Rocky Mount campuses, and off-campus classes are located at various sites throughout Edgecombe County.

To learn more about earning a high school credential, please contact washingtonl@edgecombe.edu.

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91ӣ����Ƶ’s College and Career Readiness (CCR) team recently partnered with the Rural Opportunity Institute to better understand and reduce barriers to education. From left are CCR staff Jerry Harper, Dr. LaShawnda Washington, Varnell Kinnin, and Desmond Sykes.

The 91ӣ����Ƶ Division of College and Career Readiness is providing specialized support to students thanks to a partnership with the Rural Opportunity Institute.

College and Career Readiness assists adults who have not earned a high school credential by helping them prepare to take the high school equivalency exam and continue on to post-secondary education and/or enter the workforce.

Students work at their own pace. Classes are taught on ECC’s Tarboro and Rocky Mount campuses, and off-campus classes are located at various sites throughout Edgecombe County.

The Rural Opportunity Institute supports youth, organizations, and communities in Eastern North Carolina to interrupt the cycle of generational trauma and design innovative solutions for healing and resilience.

The organization reached out to Dr. LaShawnda Washington, director of College and Career Readiness, to ask if her division was facing any challenges that might benefit from their expertise.

“We partnered with the Rural Opportunity Institute to address the impact of trauma on student learning and to identify specific barriers to education,” says Dr. Washington. “We were excited to work with them to gather data-driven results.”

The most common traumas identified were related to adverse childhood experiences and poverty, she reports.

Desmond Sykes, College and Career Readiness instructor, explains the data collection process. “We collected data through holding conversations with both our internal and external stakeholders and used qualitative data pertaining to student challenges to determine which resources would benefit students the most.”

Additionally, the team focused on ways to build trust between the students and instructors by strengthening communication among students and staff.

Instructor Megan Boyd says, “This initiative was very rewarding because we can’t address what we don’t know, and we don’t know if students are having problems if they aren’t comfortable talking to us. We also learned that there are many different barriers. They come in different shapes and sizes and vary among students.”

The College and Career Readiness team completed Resilient Leaders Initiative training led by the Rural Opportunity Institute.

“Through the support of our president, Dr. Greg McLeod, and administration, as well as the resources provided by the Rural Opportunity Institute, we were able to provide weekly, teacher-led, peer mentoring groups to single-parent students and other students. We also provided specialized support to English language acquisition students,” says Dr. Washington.

“Our goal is to help strengthen students’ well-being and to reduce barriers to academic achievement and graduation,” she adds.

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91ӣ����Ƶ participated in Rocky Mount Night Out Against Crime on October 4. Shown are Katrina Sessoms-Holder, instructor in the Division of College and Career Readiness, and a guest.

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