Approximately 40 graduates recently participated in the High School Equivalency (HSE) Recognition Ceremony at Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) presented by the Career & Technical Education Division. The ceremony took place at RCSJ’s Gloucester campus with college administrations, faculty, and staff as well as family and friends attending.

Joe Spencer, RCSJ’s director of the Career & Technical Education Division, welcomed the soon-to-be graduates, family members, and honored guests.

A special message was shared by RCSJ’s president, Frederick Keating. When beginning his remarks, he surprised the students with a gift. On behalf of RCSJ, President Keating provided each graduate six college credits for free to continue their academic journey at RCSJ.

“This six-credit scholarship,” he said, “is a pathway to higher education. When you come up here to receive your diploma and this scholarship, you are shaking hands with opportunity.”

RCSJ’s High School Equivalency (HSE) program provides adults who did not complete a formal high school program the opportunity to obtain a high school diploma issued by the State of New Jersey Department of Education. After taking classes, if needed, based on a basic skills assessment, students take the HiSET or TASC assessment to earn a diploma.

Lakeisha Hollmon, a student speaker at the event, shared that she is graduating high school as a 38-year-old mom and being a role model for her children. She took a different path to education after becoming a mom at 15. She is pursuing a career in the healthcare field.

For more information about the Adult Basic Education (formerly GED) program as well as the high school equivalency exam or preparation classes, contact the Cumberland Campus at 856-200-4531 or visit RCSJ.edu/adulteducation.