Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE) was proud to present over 100 graduates with diplomas and GEDs this year. Approximately 30 graduates were in attendance at the graduation ceremony Wednesday, June 5, at Anoka High School.

Metro North ABE is a partnership between eight community education programs in the north metro, offering free adult basic education classes to develop academic skills for adults ages 17 and up, who are not enrolled in a high school program. Eight consortium partners with locations across the north metro provide ABE classes and programs, making it convenient for students to pursue their goals close to home or work:

• Anoka-Hennepin Schools
• Brooklyn Center Schools
• Centennial School District
• Columbia Heights Public Schools
• Elk River Area School District
• Fridley Public Schools
• Spring Lake Park Schools
• St. Francis Area School District

Adults can take classes taught by licensed teachers, supported by literacy assistants and trained volunteers who work with students to meet their educational goals.

“This was the first step in my education to give my family a better life,” said Stefania Guzman-Soto, a graduate from the Blaine location of Metro North ABE. “Everything I do is for my family, and I will reach the stars if I have to – not just to provide them with everything they need and deserve, but to prove to them that the sky is the limit and you are your only obstacle in reaching it.”

Adult students may start class at any time throughout the year. Classes are offered at a variety of locations across the north metro – day, night, on the weekend, or online. The program aims to provide students with many options in an effort to remove barriers from accomplishing their educational and career goals.

“[This diploma] shows how strong I am, how I pushed through all the obstacles that were placed in my way and it shows how I can do anything I put my mind to,” Maur’yon Denise Davis, a student who attended classes at the Columbia Heights/Fridley Metro North ABE branch, said. 

Students can learn English (ESL), earn a high school diploma, prepare for the GED test, study for United States citizenship, build basic skills in math, reading and writing, learn basic computer skills, start post-secondary prep work, and develop workplace skills by enrolling in career pathway programs.

“After receiving my diploma, I followed my goals and enrolled in college. I just completed my first semester of college with all ‘A’s’ and a 4.0 grade point average,” Christina Jones, a recent graduate from Metro North ABE said. “Without the ABE program, none of this would be possible.”

To learn more about Metro North ABE, or to start classes, call 763-433-4200 or visit www.metronorthabe.org. View more of our success stories and opportunities social media, and follow us at www.facebook.com/MetroNorthABE.