External Diploma Program Moves to New Quarters

CCBC's External Diploma Program (EDP) made a major change on Jan. 6 when it moved from its Rosedale site to CCBC's 431 Eastern Boulevard location. The program had outgrown its small space that housed nine staff members who handle student assessments for more than 250 students at any given time. The Eastern Boulevard site offers seven classrooms, much more elbow room and space to grow.

Sister Pamela Jablon, coordinator of the EDP noted, "When I compare the space at Rosedale to 431, I cannot imagine how we functioned. The adult learners and staff members walk around our new facilities in awe. The move to 431 has energized us all."

EDP is a unique way for adults to earn their high school diploma. Many adults without a high school diploma are sensitive about not having completed high school. EDP offers them the option to achieve their goal through a more gentle approach. The program requires the demonstration of 65 skills, both academic and functional life skills and one vocational skill directly related to occupational preparedness. Students come and go throughout the day and evening. They spend about an hour and a half once a week with a staff member in the center having their skills assessed. The rest of the learning and work is completed outside the program.

The students are pleased with their new surroundings, often commenting on the bright rooms and the additional space. In its 16 years of operation, EDP has assisted over 1,000 students graduate with their high school diplomas. For the students, obtaining their high school diplomas is a big step, an important step, and now they have much more space in which to pursue their dreams.