Central Texas College (CTC) will recognize Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, September 19-25. Hosted by the National Coalition for Literacy, the annual event serves as a reminder that reading, writing and basic math remain an elusive target for 43 million adults nationwide as well as the 21 percent illiteracy rate in our community. CTC is part of a national network of organizations working to change lives and communities through the power of adult literacy.
According to ProLiteracy, the leading membership organization advancing the cause of adult literacy and basic education in the nation, more than 43 million adults in the U.S. cannot read, write or do basic math above a third-grade level. ProLiteracy provides more than 1,000 adult education and literacy programs, such as the one offered through CTC, with tools to educate adult learners and help them meet the demands of today’s workforce.
“Low literacy costs the nation more than $2.2 trillion each year in lost productivity, as well as an additional $1-2 billion in health and safety issues,” said Kevin Morgan, president and CEO of ProLiteracy. “Every dollar spent on adult literacy and education provides returns to the country through higher employment, added tax revenues, reduced welfare payments and less crime.”
In recognition of Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, CTC is teaming up with Workforce Solutions of Central Texas to provide resources in our rural areas by hosting a series of Popup Workforce events. The first will be Monday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the San Saba County Courthouse in the District Courtroom, third floor.
The event will highlight CTC’s Adult Education and Literacy department, which offers free GED and ESL classes for the community. The available classes are usually held twice a week for two hours. Additionally, each course can either be virtual or onsite in the community, depending on enrollment numbers.
“Our program provides English language, math, reading and writing instruction to help students acquire the skills needed to succeed in the workforce, earn a high school equivalency or enter college or career training,” said Rahsaan Dawson, CTC’s dean of Service Areas, Adult and Workforce Education. “We also provide continued assessments to monitor the student’s progress to ensure their understanding so they will be successful in completing the program at their highest skill level.”
In addition, CTC’s Adult Education department offers a transitions program to support the educational and career goals of adult education students. It provides one-on-one advising with a career navigator, assistance with applying for college or training program, financial aid, military benefits and grants, success skills such as studying, test-taking, research and writing papers. The program also provides career counseling that includes assistance with job search, employment applications, resume/cover letter writing, interview skills, networking techniques and other transition advisement.
For more information on the CTC adult education and literacy services or the Pop-up Workforce event, visit www.ctcd.edu/ael or call 254-526-1120.