PRESS RELEASES

Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director of The Upper Room, explains that “More than 70% of this class is either employed or enrolled in college, some have already completed their first semester in college. Moving young adults to work and preparation for work means they are closer to being self sufficient, which is a tenant of our mission and what we strive for with this program. It is always a wonderful reminder that resilience and persistence pay off, and move young people to a place of potential.”

The HiSET program at The Upper Room prepares students ages 16-21 to complete high school in a non-traditional way. Students enrolled in the program receive classroom instruction, tutoring and post high school transitions planning to guide them to their next endeavor. The Upper Room, in partnership with Pinkerton Academy, offers this high school alternative to support young people in their educational goals, and to reduce their barriers to reaching their potential.

In addition to Program Coordinator Michelle Brauch, the 3 other members of the HiSET team this year were; Instructor Elaina Wheaton, Teaching Assistant Bill Simmons, and Prevention Counselor Sue Schick. 

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center, in partnership with Pinkerton Academy, celebrated the 2019 graduation of students from its HiSET program on June 7. Students and their families joined in an outdoor ceremony featuring a cap-and-gowned procession and ceremony recognizing the completion of high school and transition to the next steps in their lives.

Michelle Brauch, HiSET Program Coordinator, describes the celebration: “We look forward to celebrating our students and the accomplishments they have achieved. We appreciate the choices students make every day to reach this milestone. We are so proud of them.” With students already enrolled in college, some who started mid year and have completed their first semester the HiSET students from this class are achieving great things. This is due in part to the focus on both academics and college and career readiness, in which the program provides a plethora of exploratory and real life experiences from which students can begin to realize as possibilities.