‘If I can do it, you can do it too!’: COCC’s Adult Basic Skills program expands to meet the region’s growing need – KTVZ
COCC's Adult Basic Skills program is expanding to meet the need KTVZ
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Expanding Opportunities for Adult Basic Skills Program at Central Oregon Community College
(Update: Adding video, comments from dean, student)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —
Central Oregon Community College (COCC) has made significant progress in expanding their Adult Basic Skills program, enabling them to support nearly twice as many students in achieving their goals compared to just a year ago.
COCC’s Instructional Outreach Dean, Cindy Lenhart, emphasized the program’s focus on assisting older students who are seeking to obtain their GED or return to college. She stated, “The adult basic skills program is a great place to start.”
Previously, the program did not meet federal standards, resulting in funding cuts last year. However, it has now successfully met those standards and expanded its reach to several locations, offering 13 classes this fall. Lenhart explained, “We’ve expanded out into our outlying areas such as Redmond, Madras, and Prineville. We have a new GED class in Warm Springs, and we have also increased those integrated education training classes.”
Furthermore, the program has experienced a significant increase in student enrollment. Lenhart proudly shared, “We’ve almost doubled our numbers since last year.”
The Adult Basic Skills program provides various courses, including English Language Learner classes, GED preparation courses, and other Integrated Education & Training courses.
One of the program’s success stories is Leslie Estrada Burgos, who aspires to pursue a career in health. Burgos was unable to graduate high school due to her responsibilities of helping her single mother raise five younger siblings. Now, as a mother herself, she found the motivation to become a role model and pursue her career goals. Burgos enrolled in the program’s Health Career Bridge class and currently works at St. Charles Bend. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I used to say I couldn’t do it. I don’t have time. I have kiddos. I have to be working at home, doing chores and such. But it is such a big achievement, and I like to say, I like to think of my story as, ‘If I can do it, you can do it, too!'”
For more information about the program, please visit https://www.cocc.edu/departments/adult-basic-skills/.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.6 – By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy. | The increase in the number of students enrolled in the Adult Basic Skills program can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards this target. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7 – By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. | The availability of Integrated Education & Training courses within the Adult Basic Skills program can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards this target. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.5 – Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. | The enrollment of women like Leslie Estrada Burgos in the Adult Basic Skills program can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards this target. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.6 – By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training. | The increase in the number of students enrolled in the Adult Basic Skills program, particularly those pursuing career goals like Leslie Estrada Burgos, can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards this target. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 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. | The expansion of the Adult Basic Skills program to outlying areas and the availability of classes in Warm Springs can be used as indicators to measure progress towards this target. |
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Source: ktvz.com
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