FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Marie Crecca-Romero

AND LISTING 401.487.9566 (cell)

MarieCrecca-Romero@riral.org

RIRAL TRANSITION TO COLLEGE GRADUATION CELEBRATION

June 2018 (Woonsocket, RI)

This past Thursday, RIRAL Adult Education celebrated the success of nine students from the RIRAL Transition to
College Program at the Woonsocket Harris Library. After months of academic preparation, the graduates are well-
prepared for the rigors of college life. Wale Fayanjoula from CCRI Enrollment Services was the keynote speaker
who encouraged the students to work hard and complete their degrees at CCRI. Woonsocket Mayor, Lisa Baldelli-
Hunt presented each student a Citation of Excellence from the City of Woonsocket. In addition, a TTC Alumni and
is currently a t student in the masters of Social Work program at RIC, Coyna Peralta, completed the evening with
her own success story as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic. At the conclusion of the evening, our new
graduates Kathleen Adams, Haynel Carrasquillo, Giselle Ceballos, Jenny Disla, Oluwatoyin Fagbpte, Wilson
German, Abdou Gueye, Zulieka Kelly, Arisleyda Mella de Oliver, Ana Neves, Mobio Moquet Dorine Nkragbo,
Patricia de Oliver, Raquel O’Neill, Erika Ramirez, Pyiwan Thell, and Somalis Urena received their TTC
certificates.

Returning to college as an adult learner can be a daunting decision for older adults, especially when English is not
the primary language. Our students are often non-native learners and many read at a lower than college level--
acknowledged barriers to obtaining a college degree. Many are single heads of household with jobs, family
responsibilities, and commitments outside of school. They face an unknown learning environment and younger
peers who often seem more prepared for the transition to college. In addition, understanding the financial
requirements of tuition, fees, textbooks, and the college application process can be overwhelming.

For eighteen years, Transition to College (TTC), a division of Rhode Island Regional Adult Learning, has offered
these non-traditional adult learners a chance to overcome their odds against being successful in college. Working
closely with the Community College of Rhode Island, TTC supports students in developing academic and personal
skills, and encouraging confidence in the ability to succeed in college and achieve career goals. Each semester, we
welcome new participants and help them to become stronger and more confidant college students.

The TTC curriculum is modeled after the National College Transition Network (NCTN) College Prep Model at
World Education in Boston is a comprehensive program that includes: student success workshops; career
exploration, technology in the classroom, mentoring workshops; academic instruction in reading, writing, and math;
and educational advising and counseling. While attending TTC, students enroll for free in College Reading, a
developmental course, at CCRI. Upon completion of the program, volunteer mentors continue to support the
graduates as they continue their college journey.

TTC meets at RIRAL’s Woonsocket Learning Center located at 191 Social Street. 401.762.3841. For more
information or to register for the program, please visit our website: www.transitiontocollege.org and click APPLY.
A TTC representative will contact you with more information. You can also find RIRAL Transition to College on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RIRALTTC and Twitter: @RIRAL_TTC.