Williamson

On Wednesday, March 3, four ADC Youthbuild students were driven to Media, PA to take the entrance examination for possible acceptance into the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades.

Williamson is an independent, post-secondary, vocational-technical school that provides all students with full scholarships covering tuition, room, board, and textbooks. It is the only free school of its kind in the nation.

In exchange for their education students follow the School’s rules, help with the food service and maintenance of buildings/grounds.

Williamson's core values are: Faith, Integrity, Diligence, Excellence, and Service.

http://www.williamson.edu/about/approach.htm

Stained glass window of School founder, Isaiah V. Williamson.

ADC Construction staff toured the campus grounds, chapel, library, dorms and the masonry workshop.

Williamson students going to class wearing sports jackets and ties,

and building in the masonry workshop wearing uniform/work clothes.

Williamson takes a unique approach to occupational education. Over the course of three years, students receive a broad education that includes the study of technical theory in the classroom and hands-on trade work projects. Students also receive academic instruction designed to contribute to their career success. Courses of study offered are: Carpentry, Masonry, Horticulture, Machine Tool Technology, Paint/Coatings and Power Plant Technology.

http://www.williamson.edu/programs/index.htm

It was an inspirational day that will hopefully inaugurate an new era whereby ADC students, ready for the challenge, will accept an opportunity of a lifetime along with the responsibility that such an honor requires.

The four ADC students who took the exam will be notified of their results at the end of the month.

UPDATE 4-29-10: Two ADC students were accepted to Williamson. They first have to pass their GED exam, then attend the Williamson Summer pre-entrance program.