Nash Community College High School Equivalency (HSE) Students Receive Unique Experience
Students of the HSE program. Alex Baez-Duron (left) and Brandon Campbell (right).
Through impactful community partnerships, Nash Community College offers unique opportunities for students of the High School Equivalency (HSE) program.
Students were able to experience and learn ways to present themselves to future employers better and how to dress the part to be successful. Christopher Tony High is an instructor at NCC and is the Co-Founder of the High Educational and Athletic Foundation, Inc. (H.E.A.F.) organization in Rocky Mount. He expresses the importance of an initiative like this, “There’s nothing that improves self-confidence like new clothes, specifically, a new suit.”
The HSE program has partnered with H.E.A.F., Lilly’s Boutique and Transforming Lives & Restoring Hope, Inc. (Roanoke Rapids) to provide articles of clothing (suits, ties and dress shirts) for the male students at no cost to the student.
This a collaborative effort as NCC employees, Dr. Stephanie Credle, who serves as a Student Support Specialist for the Steps4Growth program (federal and North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University partnership), and Rhonda High, Director of Corporate Training and Apprenticeship Programs, assist students with various best dress practices that helps ensure they are prepared to present well to get the job they want.
“Overall, in the HSE program, students learn about things like reading, writing and social studies,” said Christopher Tony High. “This addition provides a holistic approach to providing students with a quality education and support that is larger than just the classroom.”
The female students were also taught how to tie a tie. “We thought about single mothers; they have to be mom and dad sometimes, and we want them to know how to tie a tie for their child also. Now they have the knowledge base to help,” said Christopher Tony High.
The purpose of continuing education is not just what we learn in books, videos or worksheets. Learning happens everywhere and in a variety of manners. The lessons that the students are learning in regard to fashion, etiquette and self-presentation are priceless and limitless in preparing them for life after their studies.
