Romona McGill is one of the Transitions Academy students that spoke to guests at a luncheon held on April 10 at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s West Harrison County Center in Long Beach.

The Transitions Academy at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s West Harrison County Center hosted a luncheon for community members and representatives of various service agencies on April 10. The purpose of the luncheon was to provide information about the academy, which has served 45 students since it opened its doors in fall 2014.

Becky Layton, director of Adult Basic Education at MGCCC, wants to promote the program to as many different agencies as possible. “The academy offers an excellent way to earn a high school credential, college credit and learn a skill,” said Layton. “And we want to help put as many people as we can on the right path toward their careers. We really aimed today’s event at our community and services agencies, like Job Corps and Salvation Army, because we feel they can disseminate information about what were are offering here to those who need our services.”

Two of the currently enrolled students spoke to the group, both commenting that this program has changed their lives. Romona McGill said that she never thought she would be working on her GED or attending college, but the Transitions Academy has given her the start, and she plans to continue in the program and earn her degree. Treyvonne Young explained that he was going nowhere before starting this program, and he now is close to earning his GED and his welding credential, which will open many doors.

Members of Mississippi Department of Economic Security, Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District, Salvation Army, Department of Human Services, and Gulfport Job Corps were among the agencies that attended the event. Tours of the facility and informational pamphlets were available for the group.

The Transitions Academy offers GED prep taught along with college curriculum in Welding Technology and Office Systems Technology. The academy is a free program to residents of Mississippi who meet the enrollment criteria. It is funded through Drop Out Recovery Funds and Adult Basic Education funds.

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