During the June 18 Community-based Programs Graduation ceremony, the Great Court at Mitten Hall was filled with anxious graduates, their proud family members and the educators who helped them achieve their goals.

But few were as happy or as excited as Shelly Dolby, a graduate of the Workforce Education and Lifelong Learning program who will begin an internship in the City of Philadelphia’s Medical Examiner’s Office in August.

Dolby, of Logan, dropped out of school 35 years ago upon finding out that she was pregnant. Entering the job market at that time was the best way for her to take care of her child, she said. Today, as she attains her General Education Development certificate, she hopes to send a message to the next generation of her family: that perseverance is the key to success.

“I want my grandchildren to stay in school,” she said. “It’s harder once you leave school to come back.”

Dolby was one of about 88 students who participated in the graduation ceremony, which was a celebration of the achievements of students from six community-based education programs.

Students from the Workforce Education and Lifelong Learning (WELL), New Choices/New Options, Medical Office and Accounts and Youth Employment Project programs from the School of Social Administration’s Center for Social Policy and Community Development; the Adult Basic Literacy and GED Preparation Program from the College of Education’s Institute for Student Success; the Pan-African Studies Education Program (PASCEP); and the Institute for the Development of African American Youth (IDAAY) received GEDs and other certifications during the ceremony.

The students’ education went beyond traditional academics, said Ulicia Lawrence, coordinator for the WELL program. Because many of the programs are funded through Bureau of Adult Basic Education and Literacy (ABLE) grants, and have partnerships with such organizations as the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board and Northwest CareerLink, they offer students access to information that will help them find a better place in the workforce.

“We collaborate with CareerLink to provide help with resume writing and interviewing,” Lawrence said. “Once we’ve helped them with their literacy skills, they then have access to job placement services. We send them out with new skills they can access as part of the workforce.”

As for Dolby, her graduation day has brought her one step closer to her ultimate goal: a degree in mortuary science and a new family business.

“I want to have my own funeral home,” she said. “My sister is a hairdresser and my brother is a limo driver. We can do this."