RESERVE — River Parishes Community College WorkReady U Adult Education graduates Samantha Siles and Brittany Adams are winners of the LCTCS Next Steps Scholarship Program, which pays for their college classes at RPCC Reserve.

The program is open to anyone who finished HiSET (formely GED) preparation through the Adult Education Program and wants to attend community college classes in Louisiana. It awards $250 for part-time attendance and $500 for full-time attendance for up to four semesters.

This summer was the first time the program was available, and six scholarships were awarded across the state. Two of those were awarded to students in St. John the Baptist Parish.  Siles is working towards her Associate’s Degree in Business Office Administration with a concentration in Medical Office Administration. She is also going to continue her education in Medical Coding.

“This scholarship will really help me finish my degree faster,” she said. “I didn’t know if I would be able to afford going to school. Now I know I can finish what I started and look for a job in the medical field.”

Adams is enrolled in the Associate’s Degree in Teaching program.

“I want to learn how to be a good teacher,” Adams said. “It’s my passion to help teach people in grades 1-5, so I can help students make the most out of their life.”

William McGee Jr., WorkReady U coordinator in Reserve, said Siles and Adams really studied to get their diploma and continue their education.

“Our team is dedicated to helping our students reach their goals,” McGee said. The program offers HiSET and Accuplacer preparation, writing resumes and computer basics.

It is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday.

The public is invited to learn about the Adult Education Program at a Community Open House from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday in the Media Center, K303.

For questions, call Lei Lani Michel at 985-536-4418, ext. 265.