ACE Center launches GED program

Roy Nelson says, “I kept saying math is my worst subject when I was in school.”  

Nelson is 51-years-old and barely finished eighth grade. However, he’s on the road to getting his GED as the first student of a new program at the ACE Center in Seaford.

The facility helps people battling mental illness, addiction, and homelessness. Roy was homeless for three years. However, now that he’s had a roof over his head for almost a year, it’s allowed him to focus on school work with his tutor Jamie Basara in class four times a week.  Basara says it wasn’t math Roy was struggling with. 

She continues, “His confidence was holding him back, his lack of self- confidence. Once he started building it up and realizing he could do the work and do the papers, he just took off from there.”

The confidence was contagious. Two others at the center saw Nelson’s efforts and joined in. Their addition brought the class size to a total of three. They’re working on everything from geography to grammar lessons. Basara says it’s clear Nelson is leading the pack. He’s been in the free program for only two weeks and she thinks he could have his diploma within six months.

Basara goes on, “His determination is beyond. I mean he wants to get it. He wants to learn. I mean he’s asking for more papers at night just to practice.”

He’s also pushing others to join him.

Nelson says, “Just do it like I do. I mean I’m willing to help as much as I can and work with them.”

The ACE Center is a non-profit so they’re always looking for donations, especially with their GED program since it’s so new. To learn how you can help call 302-628-3016.