Project Graduation Benefits Many

Tracy Gigliotti (Social Worker/Case Manager), Mary Wieczorkowski and Reina Marasco (Director, Valley Regional Adult Education) are pictured at Shelton High School.

For some, the road to a high school diploma is direct and seemingly effortless. For others, the road can have a few curves and bumps along the way, but the destination is the same. The importance of a high school diploma in today’s rapidly evolving economy is critical. Sikorsky Aircraft recognizes that a competitive workforce starts with and builds on a high school diploma as does Valley United Way. That’s one of the reasons that they are working together through a new initiative – Project Graduation.

Mary Wieczorkowski of Shelton is a good example of a student who is finding an alternative path to her high school diploma through an adult education program offered through Valley Regional Adult Education (VRAE). Mary left high school and eventually started working at Stop & Shop. Though the traditional high school program didn’t fit her needs at the time, she recognized the void in her educational background and determined to find a way to earn her diploma. Now age 18 and with the pressure of work, Mary stayed in touch with Patty Stanchfield who was a Housemaster at Shelton High School and also worked as a coordinator with Valley Regional Adult Education. Stanchfield told her about the Adult High School Credit Diploma program which brings students back to the classrooms at Valley Adult Regional Education to earn the credits that they need to complete the requirements for their diploma. The program is open to students (age 16 and older) who have officially withdrawn from school.

Mary wanted the experience of taking classes that she had missed in a classroom setting and decided that the Adult High School Credit Diploma program was best for her. Mrs. Stanchfield reviewed Mary’s high school transcripts and determined that she was eligible for the program. Mary now attends classes four nights a week from 5:45 to 9:45 PM while continuing to hold down her job at Stop & Shop. She is determined to complete her work and eventually to go on to college to pursue a career as a nurse. Valley Regional Adult Education has enhanced the learning opportunities to include some on-line classes which allow students more flexibility with their time schedules.

Valley Regional Adult Education identified 89 students from the Valley and Monroe who were eligible and enrolled in this high school completion program. They also recognized that students returning to school while juggling work and family obligations sometimes need additional support services. That’s where Project Graduation funding came in. Tracy Gigliotti, a social worker in the Shelton school system, was hired as a social worker/case manager to work with the students to help them navigate through whatever issues may arise that would hinder their completion of the class work. Funding given to the program allowed for the expansion of hours available for counseling services and has a direct impact on the retention and graduation rates of students participating in the program.

Mary is pleased with the programs offered at VRAE, and also with the treatment that she receives from everyone involved. She praised the staff for their support and also for the way that they treat the students. Though the requirements are very strict, and it is sometimes difficult to juggle her work and class obligations, she finds that she is treated fairly as an adult, and the knowledge that she is gaining will serve her well on her career path. She is looking forward to earning her high school diploma and moving on to take college courses.

Project Graduation is made possible by funding from Sikorsky and from each of the regional United Ways participating in the program who identify programs in their regions that foster the goal of ensuring that every student earns a high school diploma. Valley United Way has identified the Adult High School Credit Diploma Program as an ideal match in the Valley and is working with VRAE to make the program successful.