With the growing need for skilled workers, the Adair County Adult Education Center provides academic and essential skills instruction to help Kentuckians get the education they need. There are many learning opportunities available at the center including but not limited to obtaining a GED.
The Adult Education Center, which is located at 969 Campbellsville Road, has one full time instructor and two part time instructors.
Instructor Ben Burris said that they can help create resumes, increase digital literacy skills, English as a second language, and other educational areas.
“We can help adults get certifications in different vocations, for example like their CDL, lineman, welding, nursing, and information technology” said Burris.
A computer lab is available on site and the instructors are available to help with writing or reviewing resumes, job searching, and submitting applications. Resumes can also be printed at no cost.
“If they are wanting to go to college, we can help them fill out their FAFSA, or if they are still trying to decide what college they want to go to or what they want to do, we can help a little bit with that…As far as showing them where to search online” said Mary Susan Ford. “We can also help with financial literacy if they request that”.
“Financial literacy includes the basics such as budgeting, setting up bank accounts, talking about credit cards and things that fall under that spectrum” she said.
“We also offer workplace literacy through our WIN program. That program works a lot with soft skills for the workplace like communicating effectively, different little things like that. There is even college ready coursework built into that, digital literacy is built into that for people. When they complete those courses, they can earn certificates” said Ford.
The GED program is also taught at the center. Anyone who is over the age of 18 without a high school diploma or GED, can take the GED test free at the center. The instructors can help people prepare for the test. There is a practice test required with a score of 145 or greater before taking the final test.
Not only are GED classes offered at the center, but they are also offered to those who are incarcerated at the Adair County Regional Jail and the Adair County Class D facility. Eligible inmates who obtain their GED may receive 90 days credit toward their sentence.
“When teaching GED, there is a huge emphasis in all four subjects to teach critical thinking. Never before has mankind had so much information at their fingertips at the exact same time they have an equal or greater amount of misinformation” said Burris.
There is also a new initiative out of Frankfort called Putting Kentuckians First. It is designed to help those who are being released from jail and trying to re-enter society. The program can help cover clothing items or shoes that are needed to start a job or help with deposits for utilities. It also helps people with substance abuse issues find a sober living or treatment facility to overcome their addiction.
The center is open Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They can be contacted via their website at kyadulteducation.wixsite.com or call 270-384-1741.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
