Career And College Readiness Programs Rebound At UNM-Los Alamos

UNM-LA News:

• UNM-LA is number one in New Mexico for education level gains

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Goal 4: Quality Education

UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) is committed to achieving Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing high-quality education and career readiness programs to adults in New Mexico. The Adult Education and Career/College Readiness Program at UNM-LA offers free courses in high school equivalency (HSE), English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship, and career/college readiness. These courses aim to empower students and improve their opportunities for further education and employment.

Rebuilding and Expansion

During the height of the pandemic, UNM-LA faced challenges in maintaining its Adult Education and Career/College Readiness Program. However, under the leadership of Dr. Jane Clements, the program managed to survive and slowly rebuild. In the fall of 2021, students began returning, partnerships were renewed, and course offerings expanded. Unfortunately, Dr. Clements had to leave the program in summer 2022, leaving its future uncertain.

In the fall of 2022, UNM-LA hired Audrey Marroquin as the new Community and Workforce Partnerships Manager, bringing new energy and ideas to the program. Marroquin and her team have developed a comprehensive “Career and College Readiness Pathway” to support students in their educational and career journeys.

Comprehensive Pathway for Success

The new Career and College Readiness Pathway at UNM-LA aims to provide students with a range of skills development and academic support. Students can enter the pathway through various entry points, such as adult education, ESL, community education, or workforce education programs. The pathway offers courses in mathematics, writing, and career success habits, leading to stackable academic and workforce certificates in fields such as Early Childhood Education, Certified Nurse Assisting, Emergency Medical Services, Welding, Robotics, Accounting, Business Management, and Business Marketing. These certificates provide students with entry-level job opportunities and a foundation for further education.

Students in the program are supported and encouraged to feel connected to UNM and UNM-LA, inspiring them to pursue increased opportunities for jobs and further education.

Success and Achievements

Under the leadership of Audrey Marroquin and with the support of dedicated instructors, UNM-LA’s Adult Education Program has achieved significant success. The program has revamped ESL instruction, expanded partnerships with community organizations, increased workshops, and more than doubled enrollments. As a result, UNM-LA is now ranked number one in New Mexico for education level gains and in the top 20% for multi-skill gains in the state.

In July, Marroquin secured additional funding to expand the program’s offerings, including the hiring of a full-time instructor in Adult Education and two half-time Integrated Education and Training (IET) instructors. These additions will provide dedicated support to students in workforce programs.

Inspiring Stories

UNM-LA’s Adult Education Program has had a profound impact on students’ lives. Thays Rodrigues, a student from Brazil, has already matriculated into credit-bearing programs and is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Marketing. Thays credits her success to the belief and support of her teachers, as well as the opportunities provided by UNM-LA.

Future Goals

Audrey Marroquin envisions a future for the Adult Education Program that includes a wide array of flexible, stackable certificates in a nurturing and inclusive environment. The program aims to empower adult students with the skills they need to enter degree programs and seize in-demand job opportunities. UNM-LA is committed to supporting the resilience and potential of its adult students and building futures filled with success.

About UNM-LA

UNM-Los Alamos is an innovative, rigorous, and affordable comprehensive branch community college that provides foundations for transfer, leading-edge career programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. More information about UNM-Los Alamos is available at losalamos.unm.edu.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

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

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article discusses UNM-LA’s Adult Education and Career/College Readiness Program, which aims to provide education and skills development opportunities for adults who never graduated from high school, as well as immigrants. This aligns with SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Additionally, the program’s goal of helping students move forward toward better opportunities in education or the workforce is connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Lastly, the program’s focus on providing educational opportunities for marginalized groups, such as adults without a high school diploma and immigrants, relates to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.

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

• 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 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are Target 4.3, which focuses on ensuring equal access to affordable and quality education for all, Target 8.6, which aims to reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training, and Target 10.2, which aims to promote social, economic, and political inclusion for all individuals.

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. These indicators include:

• Education level gains: The article mentions that UNM-LA is number one in New Mexico for education level gains.
• Multi-skill gains: The article states that UNM-LA is in the top 20% for multi-skill gains in the state.
• Enrollments in the program: The article mentions that enrollments in the Adult Education and Career/College Readiness Program have more than doubled.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards Target 4.3 by assessing the increase in education level gains and multi-skill gains among the program’s students. They can also be used to measure progress towards Target 8.6 by evaluating the increase in enrollments in the program, indicating improved access to education and training opportunities for youth. Additionally, these indicators indirectly reflect progress towards Target 10.2 by demonstrating the program’s efforts to promote social and economic inclusion through education.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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: ladailypost.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.