The Boston Housing Authority: Charlestown HiSet Adult Education Program Graduate Tells His Story

Press release from the Boston Housing Authority:

September, 16, 2021

Josh Day is 1 of the 22 graduates who just recently graduated from the Charlestown HiSetAdult Education Program. Originally from Florida, Josh moved to Massachusetts when he was 18 after dropping out of high school. Another reason why Josh moved up to Massachusetts was because he had his older sister in Boston. When Josh settled into Massachusetts he realized he needed to resume his education. Being in a whole new state, Josh was looking for some sort of direction, and that’s when his sister mentioned to him the Charlestown HiSet Adult Education Program.

The Charlestown HiSet Adult Education Program offers 3 levels of HiSet/GED preparation (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) classes to adults (18 years and older) who wish to complete their high school education. The program also offers 4 levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, computer classes and Technology Goes Home with bilingual (English/Spanish) instruction, Citizenship, Home Health Aide training, career services, job placement, child care for students, and behavioral health.
Josh started the program in 2017, and thanked his sister for convincing him to start it, “My sister was a very big part of me joining the program, she told me I need to achieve something in my life and that this was a good start, she was right”. Not only did Josh complete the program and graduate, he graduated and finished his last two years during the COVID pandemic. A time where he said “was definitely different and harder to stay motivated”. When Josh sought motivation he knew he could always turn to the teachers at the program, “the support system in the program is unbelievable. Everyone always had my back and motivated me to keep going.”

Not long after graduating the program, Josh has now accepted a full time job working for Lori D’Alleva as the Director’s Assistant. “I can’t thank Lori enough for all the support she has given me through this” Josh said. When talking to Lori she said “Josh worked extremely hard to get where he is, we are all so proud of him.” For anyone thinking about joining the Charlestown HiSet Adult Education Program, Josh simply put it, “I highly recommend it. It’s a good place and good environment, it’s a positive place.”

This press release was produced by the Boston Housing Authority. The views expressed here are the author’s own.