Pima Community College - Adult Basic Education for College & Career

Earn a College Certificate in IT while preparing for the GED® test! For more information call 520-206-7331

We are honored that the Pima County Board of Supervisors recognized Adult Education and Family Literacy Week with an official Proclamation.

"There are many days I could have chosen to not show up, but when I started investing in my time and my education, many doors have been opened for me. At PCC Adult Education, I found a place that was accepting, motivational and gave me the confidence to go onto bigger and better things. This month, I begin the Nursing Program at Pima Community College!" - Shyanne, 2025 HSE Graduate

"Learning has no expiration date. Returning to education shows strength, courage, and commitment. Earning your GED isn’t just passing tests—it’s reclaiming confidence, opening doors, and proving your potential. Whether it’s for a job, your children, or a personal dream, your determination is powerful, and you’re not alone. Keep going, especially when it’s challenging—every step brings you closer to something better." - Brayan, 2025 HSE Graduation Speaker

Celebrating Adult Education & Family Literacy Week 2025! Thanks to , Regina Romero, for her continuous support of Adult Education!

Student speaker Brayan shares his story of courage, resilience and success to a packed house at the TCC Leo Rich Theater at this year's High School Equivalency Graduation. Congratulations Brayan and the Class of '25!

Graduate William shares the inspirational story of his personal journey to achieving his High School Equivalency diploma with hundreds of friends, family, Adult Education teachers and staff, and community members cheering on! Congratulations William and the Class of '25!

Congratulations 2025 High School Equivalency Graduate Shyanne!

My name is Shyanne. I am from Tucson, AZ. I love animals and have plenty of them. My right hand is my Service dog in training, his name is Louis Ray, He is my diabetic alert dog and my best friend. I've had type one diabetes since I was a young kid.

In the beginning of coming back for my GED, I had a low blood sugar incident that ended me up on life support for 19 days. After many months of physical therapy, I did most classes from home, but at the same time diabetic retinopathy had left me legally blind in both eyes. After many procedures and a couple surgeries later I am now blessed to say I have 85% vision in my left eye, and I am more than happy with that!! I found myself doing most of my work by audio and that in itself was very challenging, have you ever done a math test with only audio?? Not as easy as one would think!!

I also have an amazing big family so I was never alone, always accompanied by plenty of cousins. My dad is my biggest inspiration, never seen that man take a break, also never heard him complain… He's the kinda dad that's always there. He is by far THE smartest man I know. He has seen me on my worst days but I'm happy to be here and healthy so he can see the best of me now.

At Pima Community College Adult Education, I found a place that was accepting, motivational and gave me the confidence to go on to bigger and better things like a BSN. I was invited this March to travel to Dallas, Texas where adult education students from all over the world came together to talk about the barriers that we all have. And how we all choose to want a better tomorrow. There are many days I could have chosen to not show up but when I started investing my time and my education, many doors have been opened for me and now I hope to go to the University of Arizona for a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. I hope to one day have my own ranch where my loved ones and I can all come together,

If there's anyone that's sitting at home and thinking you can't, YOU CAN! Show up and use the resources given as a student of adult education. Your teachers care and ask when you need help or anything that might make your life easier. Dolly Parton once said “Life is short, keep your hair BIG and your dreams bigger.”

Congratulations to 2025 High School Equivalency Graduate Kibongo!

My name is Kibingo. I am a Congolese refugee resettled in 2023 in Tucson, AZ. This place remains in my heart, and I call it home. I am married and a father of 2 children, and now a GED graduate. I had never imagined I would be here today, telling my story.

I come from The Republic Democratic of Congo. A country where political unrest turned everyday life into a struggle for survival. One day, I was a high school student dreaming about becoming a teacher. The next, I was forced to leave everything behind - my school, my home, and even some of the people I loved. Starting over in a new country was hard enough. Then, life added another unexpected blessing: I became a parent at a young age. And like many young parents, I had to put my dreams on hold to care for my family. But something inside me never gave up. I always believed education was the key to a better life not just for me, but for my children as well. That belief is what led me back to the classroom.

Coming back to school as an adult was not easy. I had to juggle classes, work, and parenting. At times, I felt out of place surrounded by books and homework while thinking about grocery lists and doctor’s appointments for me and my family in a country which was totally new to me. But surprisingly, those life experiences became my strength. They gave me the determination and discipline to keep going.

I didn’t do it alone. I would like to thank The International Referee Committee (IRC) for introducing me to Pima Community College. I extend my gratitude to PCC, particularly to the Adult Education program for making it possible for me to join English classes, and then a smooth transition to the GED program. Also, for providing me with the equipment needed for my studies including a laptop and free wi-fi.

Last but not least, I appreciate the coaching sessions by Carmen Villegas which is the best part and the secret of my success. Today, my goal is to pursue college and become a social worker. I want to help people like me those who’ve been displaced, discouraged, or dismissed find their voice and their way forward. To anyone still on this journey, or thinking about starting it, my message is crystal clear: you are not too old, too busy, or too broken. You are worthy of another chance. And to everyone reading this message now thank you for believing in people like me.

Congratulations Graduates! Join us tomorrow, June 5th for the 2025 High School Equivalency Graduation Ceremony! This event will be live-streamed, starting at 6:15pm. Watch and cheer on our grads at PCCTV STREAM on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqWbRxMaDKE

Adult Basic HSE Graduation 2025 Please join us in celebrating our HSE graduates from the TCC Leo Rich Theater on Thurdsday June 5th at 6:30 p.m. Commencement begins promptly at 7pm. Be par...

Continuing today’s good news and in honor of Women’s History Month, we’re proud to feature Dr. Z Nicolazzo, Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Associate Professor in Educational Policy Studies & Practice.

Dr. Nicolazzo is a passionate researcher and educator whose work focuses on gender, trans student and faculty experiences, and the impacts of grief and loss. With a Ph.D. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University (OH), she has a background in student affairs, working in areas like residence life, sexual violence prevention, and student activities.

Her research is groundbreaking, exploring how gender discourses shape the lives of trans students, faculty, and staff in postsecondary education. She also examines the effects of transmisogyny and applies affect theory to understand grief in educational contexts.

As a publicly-engaged scholar, Dr. Nicolazzo regularly shares her insights with broader audiences, including media outlets like NPR, USA Today, and Refinery29. She teaches courses on gender in education, activism, and student cultures, striving to build solidarity and community for marginalized groups.

✨ "Remember we are always better together." ✨

To learn more about her work and the impact she’s making in higher education, check out some of Dr. Nicolazzo’s books and recent writings on grief and loss.

🔗 https://education.arizona.edu/faculty-spotlight

Congratulations to our own Vi Hawes - winner of COABE'S 2025 Scholarship Award!