Young graduates fresh from their high school hallways are normally associated with college more than any other age group, but older adults don’t have to rule out the idea of a college education.

Adults thinking about starting college for the first time, taking classes to update workforce skills, obtaining a degree to land a better job or continuing education after being out of school for 5–15 years or more could benefit from a program called New Options.

Held once a semester at Jefferson State Community College, New Options offers a free informational seminar to assist adults with the college application and entrance process.

This year’s seminar is scheduled for Thursday, April 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 209 at Jeff State in Clanton.

Floyce Adams of the New Options program will lead the seminar and cover topics including beginning college, choosing a career, how to get financial aid, stress management and study skills.

Heather Smith, office manager at Jeff State’s Chilton-Clanton campus, said she also helps people prepare to start college classes and make a smooth transition back into the school environment.

Smith said the New Options program and staff seem to be one key to their success.

“It (the program) can tremendously help someone,” she said. “They take the time to do it one-on-one and sit down with the person. They seem to have a good success rate of students that they help.”

The seminar is open to individuals who meet one of the following qualifications: single adult at least 25 years old, married, divorced, widowed, single parent or GED recipient.

Those who haven’t taken the ACT test would need to take the Compass Placement Exam in order to be eligible. Acceptance is based on having a high school diploma as defined by the Alabama State Board of Education or a Certificate of High School Equivalency (GED Certificate).

Those interested in attending should call to pre-register at 1-800-239-6900, ext. 8571.