On July 28, participants of the first-ever GRADUATE class received their equivalent General Education Development (GED) certificate at Harris Pavilion in Downtown Manassas.
A first-of-its-kind program developed by the Manassas Economic Development Department in partnership with SkillSource Group, Inc., the GRADUATE program offers free training and testing for adult residents seeking a high school equivalency.
The GRADUATE program is free to Manassas residents, covering enrollment, course materials, a mix of virtual and live instruction, and exam fees. Free tutoring and mentoring are also included. Upon completing the program, graduates are presented with $250 worth of gift certificates to participating Manassas restaurants and retailers.
At the graduation ceremony, Virginia Education Secretary Atif Qarni congratulated the cohort on achieving their dream of a high school diploma.
“This city is investing in you because they see the potential in you as citizens of this great commonwealth,” said Qarni, who worked as a Prince William County Public Schools teacher before being tapped by Gov. Ralph Northam in 2017 to serve in his current role.
By paying for all expenses and motivating people lacking a high school diploma or GED, the city hopes its residents will take advantage of the free program to equip themselves and be better prepared for the high-skilled jobs being created in Manassas.
Spring Williams, 25, cried when City Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger handed her a diploma. “I have so many emotions going on in me,” Williams told Potomac Local News. “I always dreamed of having a certificate.”
Williams balanced her studies with the challenge of being a mother to a six-year-old son. She did most of her coursework in the mornings. “I don’t usually have to study because I remember a lot of information.”
Erika Arellano, 42, started school in her native Mexico as a child and walked across the graduation stage for the first time thanks to the GRADUATE program. She’s lived in the U.S. for 20 years, but she had to learn English before she could pass the class.
“I’m just so happy,” Arellano told Potomac Local News as her family members cheered.
The next Manassas GRADUATE Program cohort starts in September. To learn about the program and how to enroll, please email sabrina.walker@vcwnorthern.com or visit https://vcwnorthern.com/graduate/.