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Attended Area Dev District Legislative Update and spoke with Senator Rand Paul's Field Representative who showed interest. Followed up with email.

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September 19

I had the honor traveling to Washington, DC and presenting the Champion of Adult Education Award to Senator Susan Collins, Senator Angus King, and Representative Chellie Pingree for their strong support of adult learners in Maine and across the country. So grateful to represent our state and share stories of resilience, growth, and hope.

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April 30, 2025

We testified to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs about Re: LD 1705 – An Act Regarding Adult Education Funding and Oversight

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MAEA Advocacy Breakfast for Maine State House February 29

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Fellow Ashley Vincent Poore with Sarah Coffman (Rep Comer's office) with COABE's Sharon Bonney and Penn Hill Group

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Mitch McConnell's staffers accepting his award from COABE: Friend of Adult Learner

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Fellows Ashley Vincent Poore and Ashley Janicki presented the First Lady with the Governor's Friend of Adult Education Award

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Gov Beshear Friend of Adult Ed first lady

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Dr. Wendy Kline and instructor Netty Doyle traveled to Washington D.C. To participate in the COABE Flood the Hill event to advocate for Adult Education. They were able to meet with all senators and representatives from Missouri. They shared information about how funding AEL programs have dramatic teffects on their students and Missouri economy.

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A ribbon cutting was held at LiteracyKC at their new language action Park39! We also celebrated 40 years of providing free adult education classes in the metropolitan Kansas City area.

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California Council for Adult Education meeting of AE leaders from throughout the state discussing strategies to support and advocate for adult education. July 2025

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🎓 Rankin County Adult Education celebrated its 2025 graduation with 56 students walking the across the stage! Congrats to all our graduates — and special recognition to the 3 scholarship recipients awarded $1,000 each by the Rankin County Adult Education Advisory Board!

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Drafted letter to State Reps and Senators asking to keep Aspire funding level or increase in the upcoming budget. OAACE sent the letter to all OACCE members with information find their state rep and senators. Asked them to participate in our own "3 clicks" campaign.

One local program has been able to set an in person meeting with their Representative to tour their local program.

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FEDERAL COURT: ‘Satan’ banners lawsuit gets go-ahead in Florida courts

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A federal judge this week allowed a lawsuit to move forward against the Broward County School Board over its refusal to allow banners that said “Satan Loves the

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North Kern State Prison, West Cecil Avenue, Delano, CA

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North Kern State Prison, West Cecil Avenue, Delano, CA

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North Kern State Prison, West Cecil Avenue, Delano, CA

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North Kern State Prison in Delano recently celebrated graduates earning their general educational development (GED) diplomas and other certificates.
Watch the video (story continues below):
"I've been saying to graduating classes for years that a GED is not going to change your life (but it) is going to open doors for you," said Ross Zimmerman, principal of Marie C. Romero Adult School at the prison. "A GED is going to help you to move on to the next thing."

Graduate David Cummings said working on getting his education helped him learn more about himself.

"Before I started to get involved with my education, I had to tune in and reflect on self," he said. "I would like to (thank) North Kern State Prison for allowing us to achieve our education and to create a better version of self."

Three dozen incarcerated students received their GED during the ceremony.

"They put in a lot of time and effort, but they didn't quit, and they made it. And what excites me most about the GED program is that every single one of the guys (who) graduated has signed up for (college classes) or they are already taking (college) classes," said Kevin McGrath, GED and peer literacy mentor program teacher.

North Kern GED, Career Technical education graduates

Career Technical Education graduate Jacob St. Clair thanked his fellow students and their instructor.

"I know I could not have done this alone," said St. Clair. "I couldn't have done it without (my) peers, my fellow small engine people, and the faculty. My small engine instructor, Mr. Pete Gonzalez, your mentorship has gone beyond the classroom. You've taught me lessons that will last a lifetime."

Gonzalez said many are learning how to use basic tools before they begin small engine repair.

"Many of my guys come in there with no technical skills, no knowledge of hand tools, pneumatics, electric tools, which they soon find out how to utilize it," he said. "But when they pull that rope and that engine starts, they're very proud."

Correctional Officer Eugene Harley Davidson, who has worked for the department for over 39 years, said he's seen the students change.

"I appreciate the way these guys have demonstrated (how) they've decided to make something out of their lives by going through these programs," he said.
Video by Logan Williams, TV specialist
North Kern State Prison
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications

Read more rehabilitation stories.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

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North Kern celebrates education graduates - Inside CDCR

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North Kern State Prison in Delano recently celebrated graduates earning their general education development (GED) and other certificates.

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Leah Ellis on LinkedIn: #nmadulted #propelnm #nmhed #nmdelt #adulteducationmatters #adultliteracy…

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Adult education is critical to address economic growth. Equipping individuals to succeed in today's job market, adult education attracts businesses, creates…

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AEFL Week Proclamation from Mayor Mannheimer in the City of Asheville, 2024

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SAAEF Fellow and CV-TEC Adult Education Program participated in Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce's job fair in April.

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SAAEF fellow tabled at Peru Fire Department Open House- educating the community on the importance of Adult Education and the vital role it plays in our community.

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CV-TEC and Literacy Volunteers held a joint Family Game Night to kick off our new ESL program and to celebrate AEFL week on 9/16. Potential students and community partners were invited to attend!

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CV-TEC held their quarterly partner meeting in Plattsburgh for the Clinton County Literacy Zone. Here, SAAEF fellow met with community partners in Clinton County to discuss program offerings and educate on the importance of adult education in our community. In October we started an ESL program in our community, and this has really proven to be a positive influence thus far. SAAEF fellow shared current and previous FY data with partner agencies, and had a discussion about expanding classes into lower Clinton County.

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CV-TEC held their quarterly partner meeting in Elizabethtown for the Essex County Literacy Zone. Here, SAAEF fellow met with community partners in Essex County to explain the importance of adult education and all that CV-TEC's Adult Education Program has to offer. Providers were able to provide input on programming, class location, and our needs assessment which is used to identify potential barriers to education or employment. SAAEF fellow shared previous FY and current FY data with the team, and all input was documented and reflected on the needs assessment.

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On 12/11 the advocacy committee and SAAEF fellow met virtually. Over the last month, members of the advocacy committee have spent time identifying and compiling information on the three funding streams in NYS. Now that that information has been collected, they will work on condensing it into informational one-pagers. The goal is to gather the information and display it in a visually appealing and easily understandable way to start raising awareness of adult education.

We discussed a post-card campaign. NYACCE will create and distribute post cards to Adult Education programs across the state. The goal is for students to fill out these post cards and write to their respective legislators. Regional Coordinators will help disseminate this information. We are aiming to launch this for Advocacy April.

We also discussed our Student of the Year ceremony that will be held at the NYACCE conference. Typically, award winning students are able to tour the NYS Capitol the following day. We talked about utilizing this opportunity to schedule legislative visits and get our learners involved while they are in Albany.

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NYACCE held a board meeting in Liverpool. Here, the SAAEF fellow and advocacy committee had a chance to meet and identify focus areas for advocacy in NYS. At this time, the team chose to focus on the ALE RFP that is coming out and the decrease in EPE allocations that programs across New York State are currently facing. We created an action plan and identified tasks and next steps.

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Indiana Governor Adult Proclamation and Family Literacy Week.

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CV-TEC's Adult Education program hosted its first annual Open House event, where past, present, and prospective students, community partners, and local legislation were invited to explore what CV-TEC's adult education program has to offer. Here, students had the opportunity to let us know what adult education has done for them!

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NYACCE held their 71st Annual Conference in May. Here, adult educators across New York State convened for three days of targeted professional development and workshops and celebrations of student success.

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SAAEF fellow convened advocacy team on NYACCE board at the August board meeting. Here, they discussed how to best utilize the regional coordinator positions to survey local advocacy efforts in their regions. Members of the NYACCE board signed up for the advocacy committee, which will be fleshed out at the board meeting in November.

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Literacy New York hosted an Adult Education Awareness campaign for AEFL week. The Stop Reading challenge, challenging participants to go 5 minutes without reading.

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NYACCE Student of the Year Award winners and members of their families had the opportunity to tour the New York State Capitol Building on May 3rd.

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NYACCE held their 2024 Student of the Year ceremony on May 2nd in Albany, NY. 13 award winners from across New York State traveled to Albany to for the awards ceremony. These students were honored and recognized by New York State Adult Ed Director Johnson.

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COABE SAAEF and NYACCE met with NYS Director Johnson to discuss professional development opportunities. Director Johnson asked if COABE SAAEF and NYACCE could create and distribute a survey to membership indicating the types of professional development adult educators would like to see. Survey was created and distributed and 175 educators across New York state responded. SAAEF fellow compiled results of the survey and reported them to Director Johnson.

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The president of NYACCE and president elect/ COABE SAAEF met with New York City's Coalition of Adult Literacy advocacy team to see how to bridge the relationship between NYACCE and NYCCAL. We discussed New York City's success with advocacy on the local level, and their eagerness to partner with NYACCE for statewide advocacy initiatives. We discussed what this would look like in 2025, particularly for Advocacy April and AEFL week. This has been a long time coming, and members of both NYACCE and NYCCAL are looking forward to fostering this partnership!

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On 7/25, Assemblyman Billy D. Jones, Town of Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman, and City of Plattsburgh Mayor Christopher Rosenquest attended CV-TEC's GED graduation ceremony. Assemblyman Jones was our commencement speaker.

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An Adult Education Spotlight here in New Hampshire thanks to Elliot Hospital!

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Doug Cullen (M.Ed), CSCDA on LinkedIn: A spotlight about Adult Education and Elliot Hospital: working together…

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A spotlight about Adult Education and Elliot Hospital: working together for workforce development success! https://lnkd.in/eMqVts4P

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Carter COABE Additional Information - Nov 2024

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Barton Adult Education

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SAAEF Deanna Addis presenting the 2024 Adult Education Legislator Champion award to Senator Amy Grady.

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The Mayor of Hartford sent in a proclamation

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Flint Hills Technical College - Adult Education Center, Constitution Street, Emporia, KS

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Flint Hills Technical College - Adult Education Center, Constitution Street, Emporia, KS

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Flint Hills Technical College - Adult Education Center, Constitution Street, Emporia, KS

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Eastern Kansas Adult Education

Neosho County Community College

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Eastern Kansas Adult Education

Labette Community College

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Eastern Kansas Adult Education

1005 E. Jefferson

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Eastern Kansas Adult Education

Independence Community College

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Welcome to Independence Community College

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ICC is a two-year community college in Independence, KS, offering affordable degree plans and smooth transfers to universities.

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Eastern Kansas Adult Education

Fort Scott Community College

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Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) in Fort Scott, KS offers more than 35 fields of study, ensuring every student finds their passion.

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Eastern Kansas Adult Education

Neosho County Community College

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Eastern Kansas Adult Education

Neosho County Community College

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Lawrence Adult Education Program (GED/ESL)

Peaslee Technical Center

Suite 100

2920 Haskell Ave.
Lawrence, KS 66046
Phone: (785) 832-5960

https://www.usd497.org/adulteducation

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Adult Education Provides HIRE Education in Manhattan, KS!

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2024 Adult Ed Poster_ESL Student_bleed_FINAL

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Kansas City Kansas Community College Adult Education Program

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520 North Washington Avenue, Liberal, KS

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520 North Washington Avenue, Liberal, KS

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520 North Washington Avenue, Liberal, KS

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The Seward County Community College is proud to offer a range of English Language Acquisition (ELA) and General Educational Development (GED), or high-school equivalency classes, designed to meet the needs and goals of our diverse community. Please visit our website at https://sccc.edu/academics/adult-education/ for more information.

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Sep 23 Sep 23 Oct 9 View Calendar Follow us on Facebook for updates. Facebook We are proud to offer a range of English Language Acquisition (ELA) and General Educational Development (GED)...

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The Adult Education Center provides adult learners with opportunities to increase basic skills in math, reading, and writing, prepare for the GED, take the GED Test, prepare for a work-ready certificate, and college-required placement tests, and develop the skills to transition to further education and jobs.

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The Adult Education Center begins new class sessions approximately every 8-9 weeks. See our homepage for upcoming class dates and registration dates.

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Mansfield City Schools Aspire Program: Adult and Community Education, West 5th Street, Mansfield, OH

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Mansfield City Schools Aspire Program: Adult and Community Education, West 5th Street, Mansfield, OH

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Mansfield City Schools Aspire Program: Adult and Community Education, West 5th Street, Mansfield, OH

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Proclamation received from Ohio House of Representatives. Melanie Miller, District 67 and Marilyn S. John, District 76 and Speaker Jason Stephens.

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Melanie Miller and Marily John Ohio House

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Adult Education and Family Literacy event @ MCIW

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State of MD - Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott Proclamation submitted to the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women, Education Department.

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Adult Education and Family Literacy event @ MCIW

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State of MD - Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott Proclamation to the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women (MCIW) Education Department.

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Adult Education and Family Literacy event @ MCIW

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State of MD - Governor Moore Proclamation to the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women (MCIW) Education Department.

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On Saturday, September 14th, the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women (MCIW) hosted its inaugural literacy event, an inspiring initiative sponsored by the entire Education Department. Under the leadership of the principal Shakera Lambert and her dedicated school team, the event provided free literature and books for both adults and children, emphasizing the vital role of literacy in the lives of families affected by incarceration. Aligned with the National Initiative for Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, this groundbreaking event was met with enthusiasm and excitement, showcasing MCIW’s commitment to supporting education and strengthening community connections.

Adding a playful touch to the day, Principal Lambert donned a Cat in the Hat costume, delighting children and encouraging them to embrace reading. The event garnered high praise, highlighted by the presentation of proclamations from Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott, delivered by Correctional Education Director Ruschelle Reuben, recognizing the initiative's significance. Dr. Tamara Barron, Correctional Education Coordinator of Occupational Programs from DLLR, was also in attendance to show support. With such a positive response, the principal and her team look forward to making this event an annual tradition, fostering literacy, and building bridges for families in the community.

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Plattsburgh NY Proclamation

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Tuesday, September 17, 2024 we held an Open House at our center, Henderson Community College, KY Adult Education. One of our projects that we are doing for Adult Education month is a restock the HCC Care Center. The Care Center is the pantry that the students from the college and adult education are able to recieve food and cleaning products.

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Governor Mike Dunleavy declared September 15 - 21, 2025 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in Alaska.

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Alaska Adult Education and Family Literacy Week - Mike Dunleavy

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WHEREAS, all Alaskans deserve access to opportunities to gain the academic, technical, and employability skills necessary to lead prosperous and productive lives; and WHEREAS, Alaska Adult Education and Literacy programs have been serving Alaskans since 1942 with General Education Development testing that results in a High School Equivalency Diploma, graduating approximately 700 students per year; and WHEREAS, an excess of 42,000 Alaskans age 18 and older lack a High School Equivalency Diploma, » Read more about: Alaska Adult Education and Family Literacy Week »

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Alaska Literacy Program celebrated AEFL week with many events from safety literacy to hosting a painting class.

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City of Houston Proclamation

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Proclamation with Governor Brad Little

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State of Idaho Proclamation

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We’re getting the word out that we are here for adult learners in our community! We will reveal a new logo along with signage in our stadium and social media updates.

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Mississippi Community College Foundation, Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS

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Mississippi Community College Foundation, Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS

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Mississippi Community College Foundation, Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS

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Mayoral Proclamation for AEFL from the City of Lincoln

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Pearl River Community College, U.S. 11, Poplarville, MS

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Pearl River Community College, U.S. 11, Poplarville, MS

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Pearl River Community College, U.S. 11, Poplarville, MS

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Pearl River Community College, MS- AEFL Week Photos

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Pearl River Community College, U.S. 11, Poplarville, MS

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Pearl River Community College, U.S. 11, Poplarville, MS

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Pearl River Community College, U.S. 11, Poplarville, MS

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Pearl River Community College, MS- AEFL Week Photos

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Pearl River Community College, U.S. 11, Poplarville, MS

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Pearl River Community College, U.S. 11, Poplarville, MS

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Pearl River Community College, U.S. 11, Poplarville, MS

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Pearl River Community College, MS- AEFL Week Photos

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Pearl River Community College, U.S. 11, Poplarville, MS

# data[].attributes.headline
Pearl River Community College, U.S. 11, Poplarville, MS

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Pearl River Community College, U.S. 11, Poplarville, MS

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Pearl River Community College, MS- AEFL Week Photos

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A summary of the AEFL event held in Marlinton, WV on Tuesday, September 17th

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A newspaper article advertising an AEFL week event happening in Marlinton, WV

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The Pocahontas Times AEFL article and advertisement

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Proclamations from 2 of the mayors in Pocahontas County, WV

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Honorary Proclamations from Mayors of Pocahontas County

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#DorchesterCountyAEFLWeek2024

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Day 5 Book Bingo and Reading themed shirts

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DorchesterCountyAEFLWeek2024

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#DorchesterCountyAEFLWeek2024

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#DorchesterCountyAEFLWeek2024

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Day 2- Parent Engagement & Family Literacy Center

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Dorchester School District Four Proclamation

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Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith and Chairperson Phyllis Hughes.

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Another newspaper article in WV regarding AEFL Week!

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Little Library dedicated on Kanawha Street

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Beckley Mayor Ryan Neal signed a proclamation declaring the week of Sept. 16-20 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in Beckley.

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City of Chickasha, Ok AEFL week Proclamation

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Proclamation from the Mayor of Beavercreek Ohio

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CELEBRATING LITERACY WEEK!!

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An op-ed turned into a newspaper article!

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Parkersburg recognizes Adult Education and Family Literacy Week Week

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Mayor Tom Joyce signed a proclamation Monday declaring Sept. 16-20 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week (AEFL) in Parkersburg. “AEFL week is a national collaboration between families, educators, legislators, and community partners to promote adult literacy,” said WV State Advocate for Adult Education Deanna Addis. “Wood County has obtained proclamations from the […]

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Dress for Success "Career Day"

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"Orange Crush Day" Thursday, September 19, 2024.

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Greenwood, MS 38930

College and Career Navigator, Kimberly Youngman, is speaking with students at MDCC's Greenwood campus about certificate degree options that they can pursue through MIBEST.

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2900 MS-1, Greenville, MS 38701

Culinary Arts instructor David Crews is giving Adult Education students at MDCC's Greenville campus a tour of the Culinary Arts facilities to educate students about MIBEST program offerings.

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Williamstown, WV Proclamation

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City of Williamstown, WV AEFL Proclamation

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Parkersburg, WV Proclamation

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City of Parkersburg, WV AEFL Proclamation

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Itawamba Community College, West Hill Street, Fulton, MS

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Itawamba Community College, West Hill Street, Fulton, MS

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Itawamba Community College, West Hill Street, Fulton, MS

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Itawamba Community College’s Adult Education Department is celebrating September 15-21 as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.

ICC President Dr. Jay Allen kicked off the commemoration with the signing of a proclamation designating the nationwide event.

Additional activities will include Adult Education staff reading to students in both of ICC’s Early Learning Centers (Fulton and Tupelo) during the week.

“The goal of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week is to work side-by-side in every state, territory and district to heighten public awareness, strengthen alliances, leverage resources and increase the number of people who understand the vital role adult education and family literacy play in our nation’s and state’s well-being,” according to Audra Perry, ICC director of Adult Education.

In signing the proclamation, Allen said that he “supports the goals and ideals of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and recognizes the efforts of ICC’s Adult Education Department and its instructors in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties and encourage the participation of all individuals to achieve a high school diploma.”

Perry noted statistics show that more than 43 million adults in the United States cannot read, write or do basic math above a third-grade level and bringing all adults to the equivalent of a sixth-grade level would have a significant impact on the generation of additional income for the country as well as reduce the billions of dollars in healthcare costs that are linked to low adult literacy skills.”

ICC offers adult education day, afternoon and evening classes at Amory, Belden, Fulton and Pontotoc. GED® and HiSET® testing continues on a weekly basis, and all ICC program-enrolled students take either test free of charge.

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Ohio Governor Proclamation