Wabash’s Learn More Center expanding with Adult Learning Center – WFFT FOX 55 Fort Wayne | Indiana News & Weather

Learn More Center Expands Adult Education Efforts in Wabash County

Introduction

The Learn More Center in Wabash County is expanding its adult education efforts with the construction of a new facility. The center aims to provide a one-stop location for adults to earn high school equivalencies, take postsecondary courses, and receive workforce training. This article will discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the impact of the Adult Learning Center on the community.

SDGs and Adult Education

1. Goal 4: Quality Education – The Adult Learning Center aligns with SDG 4 by providing adults with access to high-quality education and training opportunities. Through the center’s programs, adults can improve their skills and increase their employment prospects.
2. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – By offering workforce training and certifications, the center contributes to SDG 8 by equipping adults with the skills needed for career advancement and economic growth.
3. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – The Adult Learning Center promotes inclusivity and reduces inequalities by providing educational opportunities to all adults in Wabash County, regardless of their background or previous education.

Construction of the Adult Learning Center

Construction has begun on the Adult Learning Center, which will be located on the former Miller Furniture Store site at 1100 Cass Street. The center is expected to open in spring 2025. The project has received financial support from county businesses, economic development organizations, local and county government, and private citizens.

Impact on Wabash County

• The center aims to serve 150 students and provide industry-recognized training programs to 50 students, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in Wabash County.
• Adults in Wabash County can pursue career opportunities, workforce certifications, and lifelong learning, leading to increased wages and economic prosperity.
• The Learn More Center has already helped numerous adults with literacy and education at the high school and post-secondary levels, with approximately 40 to 50 students graduating annually with a high school equivalency.

Partnerships and Funding

The expansion of the Adult Learning Center has been supported by the Community Foundation, City of Wabash, and Wabash County Commissioners. The Community Foundation has received over $500,000 in donations from county donors in recent years, which have been allocated towards the Adult Learning Center. The facility will also provide spaces for education providers and partners such as Freedom Academy, Ivy Tech Community College, IU Kokomo, Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Besiege LLC, Manchester University, and WorkOne.

Conclusion

The Adult Learning Center in Wabash County is a significant step towards realizing the vision of an adult learning hub. By offering comprehensive educational and training opportunities, the center contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of quality education, decent work, and reduced inequalities. The center’s expansion reflects the commitment of county leaders and the community to support adult post-secondary education and lifelong learning.

For more information about the Learn More Center, click here.

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 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The article discusses the establishment of an Adult Learning Center that aims to provide education and training opportunities for adults. This aligns with SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Additionally, the center aims to provide workforce training and certifications, which connects to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The involvement of various education providers and partners also aligns with SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified 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 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
• SDG 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, particularly in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets.

The establishment of the Adult Learning Center aims to provide affordable and quality education and training opportunities for adults, which aligns with SDG 4.3. The center’s goal of serving 150 students and 50 students in industry-recognized training programs also contributes to SDG 8.6 by reducing the proportion of adults not in employment, education, or training. Furthermore, the involvement of various education providers and partners in the center’s programs supports SDG 9.3 by increasing access to financial services and integrating enterprises into value chains and markets.

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

• Number of adults obtaining high school equivalencies
• Number of adults enrolling in postsecondary courses
• Number of adults receiving workforce training and certifications
• Increase in annual wages for workers with high school credentials
• Number of students graduating annually from the center
• Amount of funding invested in workforce grants
• Number of education providers and partners involved in the center’s programs
• Number of students and industry-recognized training program participants served by the center

The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include the number of adults obtaining high school equivalencies, enrolling in postsecondary courses, and receiving workforce training and certifications. The increase in annual wages for workers with high school credentials can also be used as an indicator of progress. Additionally, the number of students graduating annually from the center, the amount of funding invested in workforce grants, the number of education providers and partners involved in the center’s programs, and the number of students and industry-recognized training program participants served by the center can all be used as indicators of progress towards the identified targets.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: wfft.com