Thank you to Russ Olivo at The Woonsocket Call for this great article!

WOONSOCKET — Even for people who speak and read perfect English, going to college can be a challenging prospect.

Imagine how daunting it must be for those acquiring new skills with English.

But a college degree is a little closer for 11 graduates of the Rhode Island Regional Adult Learning Center’s College Adult Education Program, a pathway to higher education for English-language newcomers for more than a decade. After six months of classes, they took their credentials home following commencement ceremonies Thursday at Harris Public Library.

“Many of the students are single heads of household with jobs, families and personal commitments outside of school,” says Marie Crecca Romero, director of RIRAL’s Transition to College (TTC) program. “Coming from other countries, they face an unknown learning environment and younger peers who seem more prepared for the transition to college. In addition, the cost of college for most is not within their means and understanding the financial aid and college application processes can be overwhelming.”

Mayor Lisa-Baldelli-Hunt accompanied Crecca Romero and other special guests during the commencement. Also on hand were Dr. Philip Less, state director of adult education, and Patricia Bellart, RIRAL’s executive director.