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PCC to host Q&A, book signing with authors and editor for ‘America’s Forgotten Student Population,’ a guide to success for GED completers

Story by Kate Chester

One of ����TV’s own – this time, as an author – will participate in a question-and-answer session on July 16 about the book, “America’s Forgotten Student Population – Creating a Path to College Success for GED Completers.”

Pam Blumenthal, director of PCC Links – which includes all of the college’s PCC Prep Alternative Programs – was brought on to write the chapter, “Delving into the Trenches: A Practitioner’s Perspective.” Additionally, PCC graduate Leah Rapoza, a product of Youth Empowered to Succeed and Gateway to College programs, was invited to write the chapter, “From GED to Master’s Degree.” Both will participate in the Q&A, as will Oregon native Angela Long, the book’s editor and researcher.

“The topic of GEDs is timely and pertinent right now,” said Blumenthal, referencing Portland City Club’s recent focus on Oregon’s high school dropout crisis and its revised GED exam.

“One out of six adult Americans over the age of 25 is a GED certificate holder,” she said. “This population will prove to be a vitally important resource for the U.S. as baby boomers reach retirement and the traditional pipeline of17-to 23-year olds falls short of filling growing workforce needs across the country. Yet this pool of individuals remains understudied in terms of their skills and the scope of their capabilities.

“For people interested in this topic, ‘America’s Forgotten Student Population’ presents original research on these students; describes their motivations and characteristics; and provides proven models for identifying, retaining, and graduating this undercounted and underestimated cohort,” said Blumenthal.

The event – which is free and open to the public – will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the PCC Southeast Center’s Great Hall (Mt. Tabor Building), and will be followed by a book signing. For information about “America’s Forgotten Student Population,” visit: .