It's Never Too Late to Go Back to School

It’s that time of year again! The kids with their shiny, new backpacks are off to school and college students are settling into their dorms. If you are someone who has thought about completing your GED, exploring post-secondary education options, or even a new career, it is never too late! There are many options available right here in Worcester or online that can help you achieve your education goals, and often times, it is at little to no cost.  

It may seem like completing your education or perhaps changing your career is too big of a task to take on, but once you get started, you’ll find there are a lot of great resources to help you achieve your goal. The decision may seem very difficult, but you will be joining a large community of adult learners.  I am speaking from experience, so I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel! It wasn’t until later in life when I made the decision to go back to college and finish my degree. I almost gave up a few times due to my lack of technology skills, because when I was first in college, we were still using electric typewriters and handing in assignments with pen and paper! Once I got the ball rolling, I found there was a lot of support and enjoyed the experience so much I went to get my master's and embark on a new professional career path. I love to share my story, because if I could do it, anyone can! 

Why It’s Not Too Late:  

• Many programs and institutions design their courses with options such as online learning and part-time programs to accommodate adult learners with family and work commitments 
• Enhancing your education can open doors to better job opportunities and higher pay 
• Colleges offer programs specifically designed to support working adult learners, making the experience more manageable 
• You will bring valuable life and work experience to your studies, which can serve as a strong foundation for your education and sometimes can even cover credits, depending on your school!  

The library is a great place to start your research and find resources to help you along your education journey. On the second floor of the Main Branch of the Worcester Public Library, we have an abundance of books to help you prepare for HiSET, GED, and other specialized tests. We also have materials to help you find scholarships, grants, and financial aid. You can find test guides, scholarship guides, and college guides between the call numbers 370 and 379. Stop by the second-floor reference desk to ask a librarian for help! With your WPL card you can access a number of databases that can be very helpful in studying as well. Check out some free online resources for going back to school!  

DATABASES

Check out all WPL online databases by clicking this link. 

Learning Express Library (EBSCO) is a great source for test preparation, skill building, and career resources for adult learners. It provides guided support and preparation to help you earn a high school equivalency credential and build skills that will help you achieve your education and career goals. 

Online Tutoring is also available through our database called Brainfuse!  

The list provided below is not a complete listing of the resources available in the Worcester area, but below are a few resources to get you started on your journey with a new education or career path.  

GED 

Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) offers free classes for Adult Learners preparing for the HiSET or GED High School Equivalency Exams. 

MassLINKS Adult Education Online Academy - A DESE-funded, statewide program through Mount Wachusett Community College that provides free online preparation for the GED and HiSET.  

Worcester Public School provides programs to support people ages 16 and older to receive their high school equivalency degree, either a HiSET or GED. They also have their Night Life program which hosts career technical education/workforce development programs in various trades (i.e. automotive, plumbing, construction). 

The Worcester Community Action Council administers the Project Excel program which is funded by the United Way of Central Massachusetts. It is a High School Equivalency Test -HiSET – preparation program (formerly known as the GED program) for young people between the ages of 16 and 25 who have not completed a traditional high school program of studies.  

 AFFORDABLE COLLEGE COURSES IN WORCESTER 

Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) offers free courses through the MassEducate and MassReconnect programs. Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree can attend QCC for free regardless of age or income. 

Worcester State University allows adult learners to document prior work and life experience to potentially earn up to 18 college credits through their Prior Learning Portfolio (PLP) program. In addition, they offer flexible schedules with evening, online, and part-time options. 

The Worcester Public Library has many other resources besides our databases and books available to help you along your journey. We have computers and laptops available to use in the library, free wi-fi, print and fax services (for a fee), as well as hotspots that can be borrowed with your WPL card. On the 3rd floor of the Main Library we have 5 study pods that can be reserved for up to 2 people with a WPL card as well as 2 study rooms on the 1st floor. These rooms provide a quiet area for studying, and taking tests or meetings with a worktable and outlets.