Meridian Community College: Mayor Tours MCC Adult Education Department 

Press release from Meridian Community College:

October 15, 2021

New in his administration, Meridian Mayor Jimmie Smith got a closer look at Meridian
Community College’s Adult Education Department.  

“I’m impressed in what y’all are doing here,” Smith said as he toured and talked to
staffers and students at MCC’s Ralph E. Young, Jr. Center for Adult Basic Education.
“It’s almost unbelievable we have this kind of jewel in Meridian,” he said. “I think
it’s wonderful.”  

Jennifer Whitlock, MCC director of adult education, led Smith through the center,
telling him who the center serves and how they are taught; she also shared that the
College’s facility is the only one in the state to have a building dedicated for just
adult education. “We’re thankful for the support from the City,” Whitlock said.  

MCC’s Adult Education (AE) Program provides foundational math, reading, and writing skills to help students acquire the
skills needed to earn a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma, go to college, and/or
join the military.   

Additionally, the AE program manages HSE Testing. When an examinee successfully passes
an HSE test (GED or HiSet), MCC gives them one free academic or workforce class. Basic
reading, math, and writing refresher skills are offered to individuals that already
have a high school diploma but are deficient in at least one of these areas.   

Whitlock noted all instructional services are free of charge. “We have funding to
assist with testing and workforce classes for those who qualify,” she noted.   

Other services include workforce classes, literacy training, and the Mississippi Integrated
Basic Education and Skills Training (MI-Best) Program. With MI-Best, qualified participants
can simultaneously earn their high school equivalency and enroll in a career and technical
education program. Smart Start, another adult education program, teaches participants
how to prepare, obtain, and maintain employment.   

This press release was produced by Meridian Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.