Adult Learning Center This free program at MCC's Bedford campus provides instruction in reading, writing
and mathematics for adults who live or work in the area. Classes are small and range
from literacy to GED preparation. After completing the GED, some students enroll in
MCC programs and courses. Funding: Massachusetts Department of Education Contact: Katherine Innis, 781-280-3665, innisk@middlesex.mass.edu
Changing Lives Through Literature (CLTL) This is an educational alternative-sentencing program whereby probationers engage
in weekly literature seminars with professors, judges and probation officers in conjunction
with probation and often in lieu of prison. The women's branch was founded by an MCC
professor, and more than six programs have been based at MCC over the last 16 years.
First offered through the Massachusetts courts, CLTL is now nationally and internationally
known and operates in nine states and in England. Funding: Massachusetts State Legislature Contact: Jean Trounstine, 978-656-3121, trounstinej@middlesex.mass.edu
Direct Support Certificate Program Middlesex offers a seven-course Certificate in Human Services to direct support staff
working in the field of mental retardation services. MCC piloted this program and
is currently working with six other community colleges and the Massachusetts Department
of Mental Retardation to develop competency standards for the field. Six local human
service agencies have staff enrolled in the program. Funding: Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation Contact: Julia K. Mirras, 978-656-3189, mirrasj@middlesex.mass.edu
Early Childhood Education/Community Partnerships MCC's Early Childhood Education Department is collaborating with Community Partnerships
to increase quality care for children through teacher education. The Lowell Public
Schools Community Partnership, called I.D.E.A.L (Individual Design of Educational
Achievement and Leadership), was established in 1999 and offers free tuition and educational
opportunities to early childhood teachers. Lowell teachers can attain their associate
degree through IDEAL and, if eligible, may continue on to Salem State College with
similar opportunities. The Children's Collaborative Community Partnerships in Woburn,
Belmont, Arlington and Acton provide services to families and children, and also offer
some teacher education. Funding: Massachusetts & U.S. Departments of Education Contact: Nancy Tyler-Higgins, 978-656-3563, higginsn@middlesex.mass.edu
Evening Education Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities Middlesex offers space on the Lowell campus to LifeLinks, a social services agency,
for this unique, whole-life education program for adults with developmental disabilities
who are living on their own or planning to do so soon. Classes emphasize safety, human
rights and responsibility, healthy relationships, practical skills and more. Classes
are offered on Wednesdays, beginning each September. New members are welcome any time.
Competency tests are administered, and certificates are presented at the end of each
session. Contact: Carol Midey, 978-459-6179, cmidey@lifelinks.ws
Links This program, now in its fifteenth year, is offered free at MCC's Bedford campus and
targets adults who are returning to college or have earned their GED and would benefit
from additional support services. Eligible candidates must have a GED or high school
diploma, be Massachusetts residents, and place into Basic Writing, Algebra 1, or both,
when taking the MCC placement test. This daytime program allows students to earn seven
to ten credits while building study skills and self-confidence and exploring career
options. Funding: Massachusetts Department of Education Contact: Katherine Innis, 781-280-3665, innisk@middlesex.mass.edu
Prepare to Attend College (PAC) PAC is a free, eight-week program offered at MCC's Lowell campus as an educational
starting point for immigrant populations in the greater Lowell area who are interested
in attending college. The PAC Program combines ESL or Basic English instruction with
college and career counseling. Since the program was established in the summer of
1987, PAC has served thousands of new immigrants. Contact: Pat Demaras, 978-656-3256, demarasp@middlesex.mass.edu
Urban Youth Program MCC's Human Services Department has collaborated with LifeLinks, a local agency, in
a program to train young people considering a career in mental retardation services.
LifeLinks provides an intensive paid internship over the summer and MCC provides a
course in Fundamentals of Community Services in Mental Retardation. The program runs
June through August. Funding: Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation and LifeLinks Contact: Julia K. Mirras, 978-656-3189, mirrasj@middlesex.mass.edu
