Clarendon Adult Ed earns multiple national awards – The Sumter Item
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Clarendon County Adult Education Receives National Recognition
By Sharron Haley
Clarendon County Adult Education has been nationally recognized by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education with two prestigious awards: the Excellence in Local Programming Award and a Local Enrichment Fund grant from COABE’s Educate and Elevate Foundation.
“Clarendon County Adult Education’s vision to give back to society and help others at every turn is what makes this program truly exceptional,” said Sharon Bonney, CEO of COABE. “We are proud to support their continued impact through both recognition and funding.”
CCAE was nationally recognized for its exceptional commitment to adult learners by boasting a 95% retention rate for the 2024-25 school year, a growing regional footprint, and a track record of student success.
The grant will support the hiring of three highly qualified part-time instructors to teach GED and high school diploma classes. The new team will also offer career and workplace readiness certifications, crucial for both general and incarcerated adult learners preparing for workforce reentry. A new satellite site in Paxville will also expand services into that area of the county.
“The impact of additional funding and our recent recognition is tremendous,” said Lara Kolb, director of CCAE. “We are not only increasing access, but also raising the bar for outcomes – currently, 25% of our graduates are continuing their education, and 50% have joined the workforce.”
The Excellence in Local Programming Award is funded by Essential Education and celebrates innovation and results in the field.
“Clarendon County Adult Education is a shining example of how commitment and a focus on student success can transform lives,” said Dannielle Doyle, president of Essential Education.
CCAE sets the standard for adult education programs nationwide with its recent move to a more accessible location, increasing enrollment, and a string of five statewide awards, including the Adult High School Completer Award for having the highest percentage of high school diploma earners.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
2. Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content:
- SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Retention rate: The article mentions that Clarendon County Adult Education (CCAE) had a 95% retention rate for the 2024-25 school year. This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 4.3, as it shows the program’s commitment to ensuring equal access to education.
- Graduate outcomes: The article states that 25% of CCAE graduates are continuing their education and 50% have joined the workforce. This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 4.3 and SDG 8.5, as it demonstrates the program’s impact on providing quality education and facilitating decent work and economic growth.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university. | – Retention rate – Graduate outcomes |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | – Graduate outcomes |
Source: theitem.com
