NORTH CENTRAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER HELP STUDENTS REACH THEIR GOALS

(GARDNER) – Although Silvia Woodgett and Zhang Fen Chai arrived at Mount Wachusett Community College via North Central Educational Opportunity Center for different reasons, they now share a common goal: continuing their education.

The NCEOC, which is funded by the US Department of Education, helps individuals clarify career goals, select a college and a major, complete the college application process and apply for financial aid. “We are with them every step of the way. We want to take the stress out of the college entrance process,” said center Director Allison Kaplan

“The stories of Silvia Woodgett and Zhang Fen Chai are just two examples of how the NCEOC work enriches the lives of Mount Wachusett Community College students,” said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. “I congratulate these two women for continuing their education at the Mount, and I wish them nothing but success in the future.”

For Woodgett, a 51-year-old Leominster resident who is raising four of her five grandchildren, she returned to college when her youngest grandchild started kindergarten to renew her pride in herself. “I felt like half a person, I wanted to go back to school so bad,” she said. “I feel like a whole person now.”

A general studies major with a human services concentration, Woodgett is enrolled at Mount Wachusett Community College full-time and hopes to graduate in May 2005. She intends to earn her bachelor’s degree from an area college, but has not decided where to apply. Her goal is to work in social services, with a focus on children.

Woodgett said the services provided by the NCEOC were instrumental in getting her back to college. When she went to apply to MWCC, she said, she had no idea what to do.

NCEOC Assistant Director and Educational Specialist Valerie Charlonne not only helped Woodgett select a major, fill out the applications and apply for financial aid, she also answered questions unrelated to the process.

“Valerie made me feel so, so comfortable,” Woodgett said. “She always had time to answer my questions.”

Chai’s educational pursuits in North Central Massachusetts began about three years ago, when she decided to enroll in English as a Second Language classes while living in Maynard. A native of China, Chai immigrated to the United States 14 years ago. Her goal was to read, write and speak in English so she could tutor her sons, Carmen and Ryan.

Next, following her family’s move to Devens, Chai enrolled in ESL classes at MWCC’s Devens Learning Center. After completing the program, she decided to enter the general equivalency diploma program at the center, with the hopes of one day going to college. About two years later, in January 2004, she earned her GED. Chai credits her teachers and tutors for helping her master the English language and encouraging her to continue her education.

With the assistance of the NCEOC staff, Chai enrolled at MWCC as an automated accounting certificate major. She took her first college course in March; she plans to take two more beginning in September.

Chai said she is now more confident in her English skills, and is pleased she can communicate with her sons’ teachers, doctors and dentists.

“The NCEOC’s goal is to assist at least 1,000 people a year,” Kaplan said. “The word is out, and this year the center reached its goal two months early.”

About North Central Educational Opportunity Center:
The North Central Educational Opportunity Center is one of several college access and preparation programs administered by Mount Wachusett Community College. The mission is to open doors to opportunity for adults in the North Central region. Its free services -- career assessments and counseling; information about training and college programs; one-on-one guidance with financial aid applications, scholarship resources and admissions procedures -- are available to qualified participants. The center is funded by the US Department of Education. For more information, visit http://www.ccncm.com/eoc.htm.

About Mount Wachusett Community College:
Mount Wachusett Community College is an accredited, public two-year institution serving 29 cities and towns in North Central Massachusetts. Its main campus is located in Gardner, Mass., and its satellite sites are located in Leominster, Fitchburg, Athol, Orange and Devens. MWCC offers over 40 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as adult basic education/GED programs, education and training for business and industry, and noncredit community service programs. Courses are offered in the day, evening, on weekends and online.

Kimberly Caisse
Staff Writer
(978) 630-9564 / fax: (978) 630-9561
kcaisse@mwcc.mass.edu

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