A program that spawned from legislation in 1964 celebrated its 50^th year on Aug. 20, which, through Beaufort County Community College, has benefitted residents in the area.

The Economic Opportunity Act, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, established the Adult Basic Education Program. This law sought to remedy inequities of educational disadvantage by offering those 18 years old and older the opportunity to develop reading, writing, language and arithmetic skills, enabling them to obtain or retain employment and become responsible, productive citizens. From the act, the government has provided funds to establish, encourage and expand programs to assist adults in overcoming those educational deficiencies that would hinder their productivity and responsible participation in the life and growth of the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Beaufort County Community College Basic Skills Director Tony Taylor said the college provides on and off campus educational opportunities at no cost for adults looking to better their chances of becoming employed or preparing to take college courses. Among the offerings under the Basic Skills program are Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Educational Development (GED), College and Career Readiness, English as a Second Language (ESL), Basic Skills Lab, Basic Skills Plus and Compensatory Education (CED). The program, possible through state funding, served around 1,000 students in 2013 and around 850 students in 2014, according to Taylor.

The ABE and GED programs allow adults with less than a high school education to enroll in classes and prepare to take the GED test, Taylor said. Students review high school materials, including mathematics, reading, writing skills, science and social studies, at their own pace and proficiency. The Basic Skills Lab aids those students in gaining proficiency in high school materials or upgrading academic skills, as well as those who would like to learn English as a second language, Taylor said.

“We offer the program to allow adults to complete high school, get jobs and prepare them for college courses,” Taylor said. “It opens doors for employment. Our students, for whatever reason, may not have had the opportunity to finish their high school education, and this program has enabled them to go back at their own pace.”

Taylor said the college sets up and advertises off campus classes based on needs in the community. Classes are offered at churches, community centers and public schools, and the college partners with organizations like the Washington Housing Authority and the Literacy Volunteers of Beaufort County to host educational offerings.

Last week, BCCC held its annual Assessment Day, which invited area adults for individual evaluations regarding their education. Participants took a small assessment and immediately received results, which allowed them to see if they were ready to take the GED test and, if not, what areas of education they needed help in.

Taylor said adults in the area, looking for a second chance to complete their high school education, wishing to gain skills necessary for a certain job or wanting to gain proficiency in certain areas of education to prepare for college courses should sign up for the free programs that fall under ABE.

For more information or to sign up for classes, contact Basic Skills Director Tony Taylor 252-940-6298.