In full transparency, the press release below as submitted to SOURCE media for publication from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education.
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MALDEN – The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) today announced the launch of MassLinks, the first fully virtual educational option for Massachusetts adults statewide who are seeking their high school equivalency or English language instruction.
MassLinks classes are free for all adults and will increase access to learning opportunities by eliminating transportation barriers and giving learners the flexibility to take classes when it works for their schedules.
Instruction will be delivered by Mount Wachusett Community College in partnership with DESE’s Office for Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS).
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MassLinks will complement the existing network of more than 80 local training providers who serve more than 18,000 Massachusetts residents each year, and the MassLinks option extends adult education services to individuals who are not currently served by ACLS-funded programs.
“This statewide initiative will give more adults the learning opportunities they need to move toward successful career and job opportunities that are growing in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration remains committed to breaking down barriers of entry for adult learners that prevent equitable access to quality education.”
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“Access to adult education classes varies across the state, and this remote option will bring more capacity to areas where waiting lists may force students to delay their education for months,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I look forward to seeing the impact this service model will have on our English language learners and more rural communities.”
“This fully virtual model will not only allow students from different regions of the state to enroll in classes but will allow adult education instructors from all across the Commonwealth to share their knowledge and expertise,” said Education Secretary James Peyser.
“MassLinks will expand the reach of these no-cost, high-quality adult education and workforce training options,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley. “This completely virtual model will give adults another way to pursue their high school equivalency credential or learn English in preparation for college and the workforce.”
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“We are thrilled to enter into this important partnership with ACLS. Expanding access to high quality educational opportunities is at the core of the community college mission,” said Mount Wachusett Community College President James Vander Hoovan. “Our Department of Adult Education within our Division of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development is committed to seeking innovative ways to connect our students to critical education and training opportunities that have the potential to transform their lives and the communities we serve. We are excited to bring this dedication and commitment to a statewide partnership with the potential to reach all corners of the Commonwealth.”
MassLinks is now available to adult learners across the Commonwealth. More information is available at https://mwcc.edu/mass-links/.
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