Center offers GED, college assistance

SAN MARCOS — Adults looking for assistance in pursuing a GED or postsecondary education can find it at the Palomar College North County Educational Opportunity Center, or NCEOC, with offices located at both the San Marcos campus and Escondido Education Center.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, NCEOC is a free program designed to assist adults with academic advisement, completing college admissions applications and financial aid applications, adult education program referrals, community and family resource information, and workshops geared toward supporting student success.
“We help students determine what barriers they may have and link them with services to minimize those barriers,” Marti Snyder, outreach coordinator for the Palomar San Marcos NCEOC office, said. “Basically, we educate people about what’s available for them if they choose to attend college or to re-enroll in a high school diploma or GED program. NCEOC is about helping students to understand that college is for everyone, not just for those whose parents earned degrees and encouraged higher education, or for those who have money to attend. We help students to realize the motivation and determination within themselves.”
After interviewing prospective students, NCEOC staff members match them with schools that offer programs coinciding with their areas of interest.
“Once they have decided to enter or re-enter a high school diploma, GED or degree program, we assist them in determining which school they want to attend and filling out admissions applications, and we help them to apply for state tuition fee waivers and federal financial aid,” Snyder said.
To be eligible for NCEOC services, applicants must be a citizen, national or permanent resident of the United States, be 19 years of age or be interested in enrolling in a high school diploma or GED program or a postsecondary education program.
 ”We want to make sure that adults who are considering furthering their education know what services and grants may be available to them, so that money and opportunity become smaller obstacles, and awareness and empowerment become the driving forces for student success,” Snyder said.
For more information on the Palomar NCEOC program, contact Snyder at msnyder2@ palomar.edu or at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2433. Or contact Spanish-speaking Escondido Outreach Coordinator Jessica Perez Ambrocio at [email protected] or at (760) 744-1150, ext. 8110.