B
lack Hawk College is celebrating National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week Sept. 17-23.
The college began serving adult education learners on July 1, 1969. Today, the Black Hawk College Adult Education program provides classes for students studying for their GED, learning English as a Second Language, and working toward completing their high school diploma.
Approximately 850 students enroll in these classes each year at Black Hawk College. Classes are at no cost to students.
More than 43 million adults in the U.S. cannot read, write or do basic math above a third-grade level. More than 2 million young adults end up dropping out of high school every year.
However, adults with a high school diploma or equivalent are more likely to work full time and earn approximately $10,000 more per year than a non-graduate.
Instructors work with each student to design an individual learning plan that aligns to their goals, such as to:
- Get, retain or advance in a job.
- Get off public assistance and earn a family-sustaining income.
- Complete high school or obtain a GED certificate.
- Transfer to a community college or training program.
- Help their children succeed in school.
- Manage their family’s health care.
- Learn English and understand U.S. culture.
Classes begin every three weeks with registration dates offered several times a month. For more information, call:
- East Moline: 309-796-8216
- Rock Island and Aledo: 309-794-1072
- Kewanee: 309-854-1875
Tutoring services also are available to enrolled students who qualify. If you are interested in becoming an adult volunteer tutor and making a positive impact on someone’s life, call 309-796-8215.