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Students in the Worker's Education program

Workers’ Education Program

The Workers’ Education Program (WEP) provides Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes including:

  • GED | HiSET (high school equivalency)
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
  • ESOL for Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

We are funded by the Adult and Community Learning Services division of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Register online.

Mission

To provide each and every adult with opportunities to develop literacy skills needed to qualify for further education, job training, and better employment, and to reach his/her full potential as a family member, productive worker, and citizen.

History

The WEP was created and is supported by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Labor Education Center. The program began in 1986, bringing English classes to immigrant, union, needle trades workers in their factories and has grown steadily since. Our classes have included Citizenship, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), General Educational Development (GED), and High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). Over the years, the WEP has offered classes in factories, union halls, and community centers in the New Bedford and Fall River areas.

Latest

Graduation 2026

Congratulations to our 2026 HiSET (GED) graduates!

Graduation 2025

Congratulations to our 2026 HiSET (GED) graduates!

CNA Graduation 2026

Congratulations to our 2026 CNA graduates!

CNA Celebration December 2025

Congratulations to our Certified Nursing Assistants graduates!

The Workers' Education Program Celebrates Newest Certified Nursing Assistant Graduates

The university proudly congratulates our newest class of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) graduates. Through hard work, dedication, and compassion, these students have reached an incredible milestone in their academic and professional journeys. As they step into their new careers, they are prepared to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, embarking on a bright future filled with success and fulfillment.

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