Be All That You Can Be

In the fall of 2000, Army Personnel met with Continuing Education to discuss its need to have available within the Capital Region a 100-hour educational program for potential Army recruits. The program structure would be subject to Army criteria, would go through an approval process, and would be designated as a “Tier I” educational option for recruiters to offer to new recruits.

To comply with the Tier I status, our program could not solely provide GED instruction; it also needed to incorporate additional educational components. To provide a distinction from other non-credit programs, we named the Tier I course “Introduction to Workplace Skills”. Introduction to Workplace Skills meets Monday through Friday, 9 AM until 4 PM. It offers continuous enrollment, year round. Instruction is provided in the five subject areas necessary to pass the GED. In addition, students receive instruction in teambuilding skills, problem solving, and computer training. Resume writing, cover letters, and employer expectations are also covered. In addition, students receive specialized training for military purposes: map reading, ASVAB instruction, physical training, military ranking, etc.

Jerra Davidson, our case manager, provides intake, assessment, and support. Douglas MacDonald provides classroom instruction. In addition to referrals from the Army, we are also working with the Air Force and the Marines.