CLC Education Advisors: Keeping the Doors Open for All Adult Learners

“Can I talk to you? I have a problem.” The education advisors at the Community Learning Center (CLC) hear this type of question almost every day.

Going back to school as an adult is difficult, and it is getting harder. At the CLC, we are committed to helping our students stay in school and in Cambridge. Every student at the CLC has an education advisor. The advisors get students the support they need to continue their studies.

“One of the most important things I do is help students apply for services that could help them stay in class and still take care of their families,” explains Bayyinah Pandolfo, an education advisor for the ESOL program at the CLC.

“Recently I have talked with a lot of students about the MBTA, telling them about the Income-Eligible Reduced Fare Program. It’s a new program to ride the train or bus for about half the price,” she says. The process of applying for the program can be difficult. Having an advisor available to help makes it easier.

About 51% of the students in adult learning programs in Massachusetts have jobs. Most of these jobs do not pay well, have no benefits, and offer little chance for promotion. The CLC is part of Public Adult Education system in Massachusetts. Public adult education programs provide support services, like advising, to help their students to succeed.

CLC advisors assist students with a range of things. For example, advisors help student look for jobs, apply for affordable housing, and access legal services.

“Our students have a lot of responsibilities and difficulties in their lives. It’s not easy,” says Mhamed Jounaidi, an advisor in the ESOL program. “When a student comes to me because they are struggling to stay in class, I encourage them not to give up. We work together to figure out a way for them to stay in class," he explains. “We are lucky to be in Cambridge where there are so many resources, but it is still really hard for many students.” 

The CLC is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive space for all our adult learners. Education advisors are an integral part of doing that.   

If you or someone you know wants to come back to school, we can help! Sign up for one of our upcoming information sessions to learn more about all our classes.

Photo: CLC education advisors help students prepare resumes and apply for jobs during a recent "Resume Day" event at the CLC.