MCC Hires New Director of Adult Learning Center

Supporting individuals of all ages and stages in their lives, Middlesex Community College guides students to continue their education, advance in their career, and update skills. At the Adult Learning Center (ALC), Middlesex helps adult learners 16 years or older improve their literacy, mathematics and digital skills to earn a high school equivalency. Middlesex is excited to announce Christine Frazier as the new ALC Program Director.

"This role is all about serving students and our community," Frazier said. "I am most looking forward to exploring new ways to support students, continuing the strong program that has been established here and working with a team to promote the fantastic work that we do at the ALC."

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Before her time at MCC, Frazier worked as a social studies teacher, then department head at a public middle school in Framingham. Earning a bachelor's in secondary education at Westfield State University, she completed her master's in the field at Worcester State. Frazier joined Middlesex as an advisor at the ALC. Interested in a student-centered role, she was excited to learn more about adult basic education.

Through the ALC, Middlesex offers free noncredit, basic education courses, including preparation to sit for the GED® and HiSET® exams, which Mass. residents can take at no cost to them. Through MCC's program and successful completion of the exams, students are placed in a better position to continue their education and advance in their careers.

After trying to study for the GED on her own, Michaela Jones, of Billerica, felt relieved upon learning about the ALC. Her favorite parts about the program were the small class sizes, being able to work at her own pace, and working one-on-one with the instructors. "Forever grateful" for the experience, she believes she has increased her job opportunities, as well as her communication and workforce skills.

"I was tired of feeling so stuck due to not yet acquiring a high school diploma, it was time to take the leap," Jones said. "I ended each class feeling a bit more prepared than the last. Even when I struggled with having confidence in myself and my progress, both [instructors] took the time to give me the reassurance I so desperately needed. The teachers and staff I got the opportunity to meet/work with were all so lovely. Everyone there is so friendly and welcoming, and they truly made this experience as comfortable and approachable as possible."

Starting in September, MCC will offer day and evening classes for both high school equivalency exams. Daytime classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in-person on Tuesdays and Thursdays and online on Wednesdays. Evening classes are online only from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Online sessions are live and interactive taught over Zoom.

To qualify to take the free classes, students must be a resident of Massachusetts. To complete classes, students must also have a computer with a keyboard, speaker, microphone and camera, reliable internet access, be able to attend and participate in live class sessions in-person and online, as well as complete homework outside of class.

Although the ALC prioritizes students who are trying to pass the GED® and HiSET®, classes to improve English skills are also available for adults at the high intermediate to advanced levels.

"Everyone in the ALC works as a team to prepare our students for high school equivalency testing and improve various skills to help them move on to college and the workforce," Frazier said. "After students leave the ALC we hope they feel more prepared and confident in their skills. All these student outcomes ultimately better our community."