It’s officially been over a year since the Logan County Adult Education & Workforce Training moved into its new location on South Spring Street in Russellville and they are busier than ever.

Adult Ed provides all Logan County citizens equal access to educational opportunities to equip them with skills to empower their lives to be productive citizens. They assist persons in acquiring basic adult education skills as they pursue their post secondary education goals and provide employment skills training to assist students on employment endeavors.

And the greatest thing about these opportunities is they are all free of charge and only require dedication and commitment, which is something the many instructors at Adult Ed possess themselves.

The thriving Adult Ed used to call the Logan County Public Library home; however, lack of space became an issue, one in which the Logan County Board of Education, the fiscal agent for Adult Ed, was more than happy to fix by way of purchasing the old Extension Office for $182,500. The group went from 900 square feet to a little less than 3,000. The added space has given more room for growth and even more opportunities to reach out to the public.

“We want people to know we are still here and can help them to achieve their goals,” said Diane Crawley, one of the Adult Ed instructors. Crawley explained how Adult Ed provides so many continuing educational opportunities to help those in the community reach their potential. Some of those programs include: Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes/GED preparation, free GED official practice test assessments, upgrade skills for high school graduates seeking employment or preparing for college, Kentucky Employability Certificates (KEC) through Workkeys Assessments, Para Educator Assessment, Workplace (on site) education, TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) for pre-hire requirements, ESL (English as a Second Language), One-on-one or small group, online curriculum, EOC (Educational Opportunities Center) appointments available for assisting those wanting to attend college, County Outreach Sites and much more.

According to Adult Ed, 40 percent of Kentucky’s working age population (1 million) is at the two lowest literacy levels- not being able to read at all or at very limited to moderate levels. Lo literacy levels of parents relate directly to the education of children and youth. Children of parents with low literacy levels are five times more likely to drop out of school.

Those who can utilize Adult Ed’s services include: parents of young children; adults in the workforce, including those with secondary education credentials, for basic literacy and workplace skills and for retaining and upgrading of knowledge, skills, and competencies; youth from 16 to 18 who drop out of school or are not well served by traditional secondary programs; adults with significant learning disabilities that limit their ability to take advantage of further education and training; adults with limited English language literacy, and incarcerated adults. One of Crawley’s responsibilities is to bring the GED program into the detention center helping inmates reach their goals that w can help them in many ways after their release.

Cheryl Kelly, program manager for Adult Education, says Adult Ed is very fortunate to be in their new location and to be able to provide so many programs to the public. The added space makes a world of difference, said Kelly.

Adult Ed programs and classes are offered throughout the week to help accommodate people’s busy schedules. If you or someone you know could benefit from the many opportunities Adult Ed provides please call the Logan County Professional Learning Center in Russellville at 726-8777.