Adult Education enrollment soars at Elgin Community College
During National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, which ran from Sept. 18 through 22, Elgin Community College celebrated the enrollment increase in its adult education programs for the fall semester. Enrollment totals surpassed the fall 2022 numbers for both English as a second language and adult basic education classes.
"Adult basic education provides programming that helps adults increase their English literacy, prepare for the State of Illinois High School Diploma exam, get family-sustaining jobs, and participate in their community," said Elizabeth Hobson, dean of adult basic education. "Recognizing adult education and literacy week is important because these programs lift individuals, families, and communities."
English as a second language enrollment is up 33.2%, with 1,660 students, and adult basic education enrollment is up 11.5% at 261 students.
With ongoing registration for adult basic education classes, the department expects the combined enrollment to reach more than 2,000 students this fall.
ECC is one of more than 72 adult education providers offering programs funded through the Illinois Community College Board that improve and expand the nation's available pipeline of workers by assisting those who lack the educational requirements to achieve gainful employment in today's increasingly high-tech, global job market.
More than 36 million adults nationwide, including 1.2 million in Illinois, lack basic literacy skills that limit their ability to advance in education and at work. ECC provides its community with five adult basic education programs: basic citizenship skills, ESL, State of Illinois High School Diploma test prep, integrated career and academic preparation system, and transitions bridge classes.
ECC offers adult basic education courses at three campus locations: ECC's Spartan Drive campus at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin; the Education and Work Center at 6704 Barrington Road, Hanover Park; and the Streamwood Center at 301 E. Irving Park Blvd., Streamwood.
For information on Adult Basic Education courses at ECC, visit elgin.edu/adulted.