MASSENA -- Eight information sessions have been scheduled for a new adult education program being offered by St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES in Massena.

Adults aged 18 and older interested in getting into college, training or a better career are encouraged to attend these sessions to find out more about the classes, community resources and connections available to them through the Gateway Program.

The sessions will take place on Tuesdays at the Department of Labor Building at 35 Glenn Street in Massena, right down the street from the Massena Public Library.

Session dates and times are 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. June 12; 9 a.m. July 3; 9 a.m. July 24; 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. Aug. 7; and 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. Aug. 21.

Adults who come to the sessions will learn how Gateway works and can ask about scheduled classes and how to participate. Those interested in enrolling right away can be screened and scheduled.

Gateway runs in eight-week cycles and offers both day and evening classes. Courses are held at the Department of Labor and the Massena Public Library; both sites offer classrooms equipped with computers and “smart boards.”

Funded by the Open Society Foundations, a private international foundation, Gateway is one of only eight programs of its kind being offered nationwide. Courses are free or have minimal fees that may be covered through a variety of funding programs for qualifying individuals.

“The program is open to anyone who is under- or unemployed and looking to gain the knowledge, skills and connections needed to move into college, training programs or a career path,” said St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Adult Education Supervisor Lisa McKeel. “In addition, any adult interested in improving personal or work-related skills can sign up for individual workshops that meet those needs.”

“Gateway combines academic classroom instruction, career and technology training, a variety of workshop electives, intensive career counseling and community partnerships in a comprehensive program for success,” McKeel said. “Adults have an exceptional opportunity to move ahead through Gateway, and we urge people to take advantage of that by coming to one of our information sessions.”

Prospective students are encouraged to register in advance for the information session of their choice. To register, go to www.sllboces.org and click on “Adult Education” and then the Gateway logo, or call 769-5895.