Alonda Schock, a graduate of the Manteca Education & Training Center, recently spoke with San Joaquin Delta College about her experience earning her high school equivalency certificate at the Manteca Education & Training Center (METC), formerly referred to as the Manteca Adult School (a school for adults within Manteca Unified School District).Alonda, who is now an intern for San Joaquin Delta College’s DARTE program – “Directing Adults on the Right Track for Employment” – shared that she returned to school 35 years after leaving during her senior year. Like many young adults, she had to prioritize getting a job to earn a living.

“I never thought I would actually graduate, so the fact that I finally did … well, it took a while before it finally set in that I finally did it.”

Alonda’s story reflects many METC student experiences. METC is well-prepared to educate adults who choose to return to the classroom by supporting their unique needs including career training and placement.

The METC uses a specialized and highly successful program for students who wish to complete their high school education — it is successful even for adults who predate the widespread shift to Common Core standards. In addition to earning high school equivalency, the METC offers a variety of career technical education (CTE) courses including forklift operation, welding, commercial driving fundamentals, and computer technology. Students can also enlist in the military, network to gain employment, apply for college, and earn CTE certifications to become qualified for higher-paying jobs.

Mr. Machado, the METC academic counselor, said that when adults come to earn their high school education, it is a big step for them. “They didn’t finish high school the first time because they faced some kind of personal hardship. It wasn’t possible or doable for them at the time,” he explained. “And we understand that.”

They have a passion for educating adults, and it shows in their level of care with each and every student hoping to better themselves.