With Gov. Baldacci standing in the wings, one by one adult education students took to the podium to express their gratitude and urge for continued support of adult education programs across the state.
For the second consecutive year John Neal of Livermore Falls told his story at the annual event. John lost his job when the Wassau Paper Mill closed; he had been there 25 years. “I walked out the doors of the mill for the last time on June 5th, 2009 and through the doors of adult education. I don’t know where I would be without adult education.”
When Wassau closed John was left with having to learn many soft skills such as how to write a resume and cover letter. That was just the beginning; he also needed to explore career and education options. With the support of Franklin County Adult Education, today, John is enrolled at Central Maine Community College.
The event organized by the Maine Adult Education Association (MAEA) was designed to bring educators, students, Gov. Baldacci, legislators and supporters together. Programs displayed information on the components of adult education including literacy, high school completion, college transitions, England Language Learning, Corrections, Family Literacy, and business and skill training. The Maine Adult Education Association (www.maineadulted.org) is a nonprofit organization representing adult education programs, professionals and volunteers in Maine since 1965.
Like John Neal, Valerie Ramunno needed to assess her skills and career aspirations. She found the staff at Crooked River Adult Education in Casco extremely helpful. Valerie met with a career counselor in the College Transitions program who helped her asses her weaknesses; determine career options and what educational opportunities are available to her. “The dedication, patience and support of the staff kept me moving and on the right track every day. Adult education is more than just about learning skills, it is also about support.”
Jeff Fantine the State Director of Adult Education gave an overview of who is using various adult education services. “Last year Maine Adult Education, in over 100 programs served nearly 119,000 adults, which represents about 10% of Maine’s population.” According to Fantine the average cost per student is $194, making adult education the most affordable education in the state. Despite booming enrollments due to high unemployment, Maine Adult Education is facing a cut in state funding of nearly $600,000. The attendees at Maine Adult Education Day were carrying a message to lawmakers requesting restoration of the funds.
On Tuesday, the legislature passed a Joint Resolution, sponsored by all members of the House and Senate, praising Maine’s adult education programs for their service to the state and its residents.
For more information about Maine Adult Education visit www.maineadulted.org.
Gov. Baldacci speaks with adult education students.