Free education programs offered to kids and adults at NSB's Babe James Center

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Children and adults alike Youth and adults soon will have a convenient avenue to success. The City of New Smyrna Beach is partnering on two education programs to make it easier for youth and adults to receive their GED.

Both programs are free and will be offered at the Alonzo “Babe” James Community Center, 201 N. Myrtle Ave. Not only are the programs offered in a community center, but they also are self-paced, which allows students to progress individually. Classes begin August 20, but enrollment is continuous.

“We’re offering a different bridge to success,” said Donna Gray-Banks, New Smyrna Beach community resource coordinator. “The formal education route is not for everybody, and people have different goals. These programs are flexible and can help to lead participants to success.”

A GED program is being offered through a partnership with Daytona State College. Residents age 16 or older will receive assistance on basic reading, language, and math skills to earn a GED. The program provides skills to progress into college-level or career-training programs. GED classes will be offered from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday.

Youth who left school early also can find additional assistance at the center through a ready-work-work program called TechBridge. The program provides skill training for employment and prepares students to take the GED test. Lessons include life skills, work readiness skills, resume writing, and mock interviewing. Youth are placed in community jobs and are paid a stipend through the Techbridge program. Techbridge students are required to take a placement test to determine their educational level in preparation for the GED test.

Classes will be offered from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

“The Techbridge program helps students move up the ladder to the GED program,” Gray-Banks said. “A better education leads to a better job. Our goal is help each youth become a productive citizen in our community. For more information on the programs, please call Gray-Banks 386-314-4849 or Reggie Beverly at 386-424-2299.