Cambridge Community Learning Center Celebrates 2023 Graduates

On Thursday, June 22, the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC) hosted its annual graduation ceremony to celebrate 94 adult students who completed CLC programs during the 2022-2023 academic year. CLC staff, teachers, and volunteers joined friends and families of graduates to recognize the accomplishments of:

• 31 graduates from the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program for English Language Learners, a job training program that prepares participants for careers in health care through hands-on clinical experience combined with classes to improve their English and math skills.
• 26 graduates from the English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program, which offers six levels of English classes.
• 21 graduates who became U.S. citizens during the school year, with support from CLC staff in preparing for their citizenship tests.
• 13 graduates from the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program for Cambridge Residents, a job training program that prepares participants for careers in health care through hands-on clinical experience.
• 10 graduates from the Bridge to College program, which prepares students to succeed in college-level courses by improving their writing, math, and academic reading skills; and supports students in applying for college, financial aid, and scholarships.
• 9 graduates from the Early Childhood Education Career Training Program, which includes early childhood coursework, an internship at a Cambridge preschool, preparation to receive the CDA credential, and career planning support.
• 5 graduates from CLC’s High School Equivalency Credential Program, which offers four levels of math and reading to prepare students to take high school equivalency (HiSET and GED) exams.

In addition to remarks from CLC Director Maria Kefallinou, Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, and City Manager Yi-An Huang, a graduate representing each program spoke about their experience at CLC.

Bintou Sanor, a graduate of the Bridge to College Program, shared her experience of defying cultural barriers to access education while growing up in the Ivory Coast. After moving to the U.S., CLC gave her a pathway to continue pursuing her education. “As a student at CLC, I have learned that if you really want to learn, the CLC and the staff are here to support you," she explained. “The CLC is a place of second chances, new opportunities, and making dreams come true. I thought when I first came to the U.S., my fate was to work and only to support my family. Now, I have a chance of going to college.”

Fidel Maxwell, who grew up in Cambridge and was referred to CLC’s High School Equivalency Credential Program by Cambridge Works, spoke of how the program fostered his personal transformation. “The CLC was the light guiding me through the darkness of not living up to my full potential or not wanting to try because I was afraid to fail," he said. “One thing that I really took to heart was: it isn't about just showing up and working hard. You have to develop good study habits, practice and identify your weaknesses and turning them into strengths.”

Phyllis Benjamin, President of the Friends of the CLC, a nonprofit organization that supports CLC through fundraising and public awareness campaigns, awarded 21 current and former CLC graduates with college scholarships sponsored by local organizations and benefactors. The graduation ceremony also recognized CLC volunteers, honoring Nicolette Bardele and Young Eun Kim as Volunteers of the Year.

The Community Learning Center will host information sessions for many of its programs throughout the summer. For more information, visit www.cambridgema.gov/CLC.

Photo credit: Elizabeth Pierre