By: WLOS-TV (ABC)

HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Encouraging those who had to step away from their college educations to return is the goal of the North Carolina Reconnect program.

Haywood Community College program encourages adult learners to continue education

The program is motivating dozens to finish their studies at Haywood Community College (HCC).

This new initiative at HCC encourages students who had to quit their studies to come back. For this semester, more than 50 have signed up.

“We have 51 new students that have connected with us through this program,” said HCC President Shelley White.

She says HCC is one of the few colleges in the NC Reconnect program that is acquiring $125,000 to reach out to those who had to step away from their education, encouraging them to return.

With some of the money, HCC has set up the Reconnect Center.

“This resource center is specifically designed to kind of be a welcoming space for adult learners,” she said

It is a place to relieve any anxieties and make the transition back to school easier.

HCC Success Coach Nick Cerda says the conversations in the room instill confidence in those returning.

“If you can begin to make progress, we as coaches help you with that process as well,” he said.

It is a place where parents can bring their kids to assist in the planning process, and a place where finding life balance is understood – even down to meals-to-go kits.

If you’re a returning adult student, you’ve got family to feed. Sometimes, being able to get your homework done on time might involve not having to spend an hour and a half cooking for people. There’s nothing in there that needs to be put in the refrigerator. Just dump it in and put it in your oven and cook it and you’re done. You have fed your family,” said HCC Success Coach Bridget Settlemyer.

White says the NC Reconnect grant can also help eliminate debts that former students may have accumulated. She says that enrollment took a hit from the pandemic, but she credits this program for being a main driver in boosting those numbers up about 10 to 12% over last fall.

“We’re getting closer to about the 2020 level,” she said.

White also said some former Canton paper mill workers are signing up.

“We’re seeing some of the students are former mill workers in different programs all across campus,” she said.

If any adult learners have questions after hours, they are advised to visit HCC’s website for answers.

Read the article on WLOS.com.