Adult Education receives national honors from COABE – Manning Live

Clarendon County Adult Education Receives National Recognition

by Melissa Foust-McCoy

Introduction

Clarendon County Adult Education (CCAE) has been honored with two prestigious awards from the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), recognizing its exceptional service to adult learners. These accolades, the Excellence in Local Programming Award and a Local Enrichment Fund grant, highlight the program’s regional impact, student outcomes, and commitment to adult learners.

Excellence in Local Programming Award

The Excellence in Local Programming Award, funded by Essential Education, is presented to programs that demonstrate innovation and tangible results. Clarendon County Adult Education has been recognized for its dedication to student success and its transformative impact on lives.

Local Enrichment Fund Grant

CCAE has been awarded a Local Enrichment Fund grant from COABE’s Educate and Elevate Foundation. This grant will enable the program to expand its offerings by hiring three part-time instructors to teach GED and high school diploma classes. The new staff will also lead workforce and career readiness certification programs, including those designed for incarcerated adult learners preparing for reentry. Additionally, a new satellite site in Paxville will be established to extend the program’s services beyond its current boundaries.

Impressive Student Outcomes

During the 2024–2025 school year, CCAE achieved a remarkable 95% retention rate. Furthermore, 25% of graduates have continued their education, while 50% have successfully entered the workforce. These outcomes demonstrate the program’s commitment to empowering adult learners and facilitating their personal and professional growth.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Clarendon County Adult Education’s efforts align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. These goals include:

• Goal 4: Quality Education – CCAE’s commitment to providing accessible education to adult learners contributes to achieving universal education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
• Goal 5: Gender Equality – By empowering adult learners, CCAE promotes gender equality and ensures equal access to education and opportunities for all.
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – CCAE’s focus on workforce readiness and career certification programs supports economic growth by equipping individuals with the skills needed for employment.
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – CCAE’s dedication to serving incarcerated adult learners and providing them with educational opportunities helps reduce inequalities and promote social inclusion.

Regional Impact and Recognition

CCAE’s recent move to a more accessible location has contributed to its enrollment growth. The program has also received five statewide awards this year, including the Adult High School Completer Award, recognizing its achievement of the highest percentage of high school diploma earners in the state.

About COABE

The Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) represents over 82,000 adult educators across the United States. COABE works to support programs that help adult learners succeed in their educational and career endeavors. For more information, visit www.coabe.org or www.educateandelevatefoundation.org.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
   • Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months.

2. 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 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training.

3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Indicator 16.3.2: Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison population.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

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 identified are:
– Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
– Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
– Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

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 or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months.
– Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training.
– Indicator 16.3.2: Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison population.

These indicators can be used to measure the progress of Clarendon County Adult Education (CCAE) in providing equal access to education, reducing the proportion of youth not in education or employment, and promoting equal access to justice.

By achieving a 95% retention rate, having graduates continue their education or enter the workforce, and expanding class offerings and services, CCAE is contributing to the targets and indicators mentioned above.

Source: manninglive.com