Adult Education enrollment soars at Elgin Community College

Adult Education enrollment soars at Elgin Community College  Daily Herald

Adult Education enrollment soars at Elgin Community College

Enrollment Increase in Adult Education Programs at Elgin Community College

During National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, which took place from September 18 to 22, Elgin Community College celebrated the significant increase in enrollment for its adult education programs for the fall semester. The enrollment numbers for both English as a second language and adult basic education classes surpassed those of the fall 2022 semester.

Importance of Adult Education and Literacy Week

According to Elizabeth Hobson, the dean of adult basic education, “Adult basic education provides programming that helps adults increase their English literacy, prepare for the State of Illinois High School Diploma exam, get family-sustaining jobs, and participate in their community.” Recognizing and celebrating adult education and literacy week is crucial because these programs have a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Enrollment Statistics

The enrollment for English as a second language has increased by 33.2%, with a total of 1,660 students. Additionally, the enrollment for adult basic education has increased by 11.5%, with 261 students.

With ongoing registration for adult basic education classes, the department expects the combined enrollment to exceed 2,000 students this fall.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Elgin Community College is one of over 72 adult education providers funded by the Illinois Community College Board. These programs aim to improve and expand the nation’s available workforce by assisting individuals who lack the educational requirements needed for gainful employment in today’s high-tech, global job market. By offering adult education programs, ECC contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

Addressing the Literacy Gap

In the United States, more than 36 million adults, including 1.2 million in Illinois, lack basic literacy skills that hinder their educational and professional advancement. Elgin Community College addresses this issue by providing five adult basic education programs: basic citizenship skills, ESL, State of Illinois High School Diploma test preparation, integrated career and academic preparation system, and transitions bridge classes. These programs align with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Accessible Locations

ECC offers adult basic education courses at three campus locations:

  1. ECC’s Spartan Drive campus at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin
  2. The Education and Work Center at 6704 Barrington Road, Hanover Park
  3. The Streamwood Center at 301 E. Irving Park Blvd., Streamwood

For more information on Adult Basic Education courses at ECC, please visit elgin.edu/adulted.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators

SDG 4: Quality Education

  • Target 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
  • Indicator: Increase in enrollment in adult education programs for English as a second language and adult basic education classes.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
  • Indicator: Increase in enrollment in adult basic education classes to prepare for gainful employment.

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

– Target 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.

– Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The indicators are:

– Increase in enrollment in adult education programs for English as a second language and adult basic education classes.

– Increase in enrollment in adult basic education classes to prepare for gainful employment.

These indicators show the progress in providing quality education and preparing individuals for gainful employment, which align with the targets under SDG 4 and SDG 8.

Overall, the article highlights the importance of adult education programs in improving literacy skills, preparing individuals for employment, and benefiting communities. The increase in enrollment numbers indicates progress towards the targets of achieving literacy and numeracy for adults (Target 4.6) and reducing the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training (Target 8.6).

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: dailyherald.com

 

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