Heartland Community College highlights ‘Level Up’ program during Adult Education Week

 

[September 22, 2022] 

The Heartland Community College Adult Education department has launched a new program to help students who aren’t yet eligible for college courses take a faster path toward work-ready certificates.

The “Level Up” program creates a pathway for Adult Education students to work on obtaining their High School Equivalency (GED) or English as a Second Language (ESL) while also working towards a certificate in a short-term program.

These certificates can lead directly into the workforce or into further academic pursuits. Students can study in fields like digital media, healthcare, business technology, information technology, and industrial technology.

Short-term certifications include Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant, Robotics Operator, Welding and Microsoft Office Specialist.

“The attainment of a GED or ESL skills is a vital step for adults seeking to advance their education or to even earn a living,” said Heartland Dean of Adult Education Kerry Urquizo. “By connecting students with a direct pathway toward college credits and certifications the Level Up program will allow more individuals in the community to make a family sustainable wage.”

The Level Up program is being highlighted during National Adult Education and Family Literacy (NAEFL) week, September 19-23.

During NAEFL week, the Heartland Adult Education program is also honoring the hard work of both past and present students at a Hall of Fame event.

On Tuesday, September 20th at 6:00 p.m., Adult Education alumni will be recognized with awards for Academic Achievement, Best in Business, Successful Professional, Community Involvement and Dean's Choice. In addition, Kathy Olesen-Tracey, Senior Director of Adult Education and Literacy will be speaking to the students about the importance of advocacy for these programs.

The Adult Ed Hall of Fame event will be held in the Astroth Community Education Center (ACEC) auditorium.

Heartland Adult Education classes are free to students. For more information contact Heartland Community College at 309-268-8180, email [e-mail] or visit www.heartland.edu\adulted.

[Steve Fast
Assistant to the President, Public Information and Communication
Heartland Community College]