Throughout more than two decades at the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF), Adrienne Simmons has spent her career walking alongside students at some of their most pivotal educational turning points.
For 17 years, she managed TEF’s High School Equivalency program, helping members earn their New York State high school equivalency diplomas and encouraging them to continue on the path toward higher education.
Today, Adrienne’s work focuses on the next step of that journey. As Program Manager for the Health Careers College Core Curriculum (HC4) Program, she supports students as they step fully onto their college pathway.
“It feels like a full-circle moment,” Adrienne said. “For years, I was telling students, ‘Keep going, don’t stop here.’ Now I get to support them once they’ve done exactly that.”
The HC4 Program is designed to help 1199SEIU members complete core requirements, typically 12 to 36 credits, toward a college degree. It provides a structured, supportive entry into college while helping students build the academic habits needed for long-term success.
It feels like a full-circle moment. For years, I was telling students, ‘Keep going, don’t stop here.’ Now I get to support them once they’ve done exactly that.
“After covering core requirements, students say, ‘I got this. I’m ready to take more classes,’” Adrienne said.
Students are enrolled through one of three partner institutions—College of Staten Island, Lehman College, or Monroe University—and move through the program as a cohort. Most classes are online and meet twice a week, allowing working adults to balance school, work and life responsibilities.
For Adrienne, what stands out is persistence. “I continue to say keep going,” she said. “After the HC4 Program, you already learned time management, you already know what is expected of you in college. Just keep going.”
