Latest news with #adulteducation


BBC News
22-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Wensum Lodge in Norwich sold to developer as creative space
A historical building that was used as an adult education centre has been sold to a property County Council closed Wensum Lodge in Norwich after deciding it was "significantly under-utilised".Slow Norfolk, which is planning to turn the building into what it called a "creative community", has completed the James, Conservative cabinet member for corporate services and innovation at the authority, said: "This sale will ensure the site continues to serve the community in a new and exciting way." The decision to try selling the site, which held courses for the council's adult learning service, was made in the summer of 2023.A report to the cabinet said the building was "significantly under-utilised and increasingly cost inefficient".Ms James added: "We are pleased to see Wensum Lodge pass into the hands of a team that values its heritage and has a clear vision for its future." 'Creative community' Slow Norfolk is a local property developer that restores historical buildings across the county, and rents them out, including as holiday director Mark Littleword said: "Our aim is to preserve the architectural character of the site while creating a dynamic space for Norwich's thriving creative community."Proposed plans for the site include converting the complex into a hub for designers, architects, writers and marketing. Slow Norfolk said the development would respect the site's 19th Century origins as a brewery, to its more recent role as a centre for adult education. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SUNY announces free community college for adults over age 25 beginning this fall
New York's sprawling state university system will begin offering free community college access to adult students beginning this fall. State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. said Friday that SUNY campuses are ready to launch Gov. Kathy Hochul's free community college program. The program was approved as part of the recently approved state spending plan for fiscal year 2025-26. Through SUNY Reconnect, starting this fall, community colleges across the state will provide free tuition, fees, books and supplies for adults ages 25 to 55 who don't already have a college degree or who want to pursue an associate degree in a high-demand field. 'I applaud Gov. Hochul for fighting tirelessly to advance higher education and affordability, and I thank the State Legislature for supporting this proven model to help unleash New Yorkers' full potential,' King said. 'The SUNY Reconnect program, launching for the Fall 2025 term, will help break barriers to a college degree and provide financial support and flexibility for adult students to enroll, and more importantly, to succeed through to graduation at one of our excellent community colleges.' Dozens of programs will be available among the 33 community college campuses in New York, including Clinton County and North Country community colleges. Eligible programs include associate degree programs in high-demand areas of advanced manufacturing; nursing and allied health; engineering; technology, cybersecurity, and AI; green jobs; and teaching pathways in shortage areas, according to SUNY officials. Community colleges will hold information sessions this summer to assist all who are interested in eligible degree programs. Information can also be found at this link: 'SUNY's community colleges have long been a source of opportunity for New Yorkers. Our campuses provide an excellent education with robust support and an academic curriculum that prepares students for success in the workforce and continued education,' SUNY Board Trustee Robert J. Duffy, Chair of the Community Colleges Committee, said. 'The Governor's free community college program will mean so much for adult learners and our campuses are ready to serve them today.' New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, 'A skilled and knowledgeable workforce is essential to New York State's economic future. Offering free community college to adult learners will provide a gateway to new career opportunities in high-demand fields, and feed critical workforce pipelines,' New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said. The news comes just days after SUNY officials announced more than $3 million in new funding is coming to the three North Country SUNY campuses in the latest state budget. 'The SUNY Reconnect program will be instrumental in training people to work in high demand fields such as nursing and manufacturing, which is much needed in the North Country considering our bustling manufacturing industry and struggle to hire nurses' State Assemblymember Billy Jones said. 'This funding will also support our local community colleges and provide more educational opportunities for North Country residents, which will also help our regional economy.'


BBC News
15-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Wolverhampton open day for adult learners with additional needs
Adult learners with additional needs in Wolverhampton are being invited to find out more about courses on offer in the city at an open day next Education Wolverhampton is hosting its special educational needs and disabilities open event on Thursday 22 May from 13:30-18:00 BST, at The Maltings on Herbert will be able to view the facilities and meet the tutors, support workers and current students, take part in activities and find out more about courses for people with will be available from a student run pop-up cafe, while a craft fair will showcase the talents of students on the supported internship and supported employment programmes. Some of the courses that people can learn more about at the event include:Life skills English, maths and digital skills: Students learn essential everyday key skills for their personal lives and potential voluntary and paid employmentLife skills cookery: Students learn the basics of simple food preparation, food safety, the safe use of tools, and important skills helping students to move closer to living independentlyEveryday life skills: Students focus on exploring the community, citizenship, independent travelling and much more about what it is to live in the UK todayKeep learning and move on courses: Students focus on taking the next steps towards independence and work ready can also find out about supported internships and employment that are available, which are personalised to support people with significant disabilities to secure and retain paid Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, said: "Our students speak very highly of the various programmes that Adult Education Wolverhampton offer to learners with additional needs, such as the very popular life skills programmes, which are helping them develop the skills they need to live as independent a life as possible."The open event next week is a great opportunity to find out more about these courses, and about studying with Adult Education Wolverhampton, so please come along and find out more." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Yahoo
11-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
35 students receive GED or high school diplomas at Gadsden State ceremony
GADSDEN — Thirty-five students earned their GED or high school diplomas during Gadsden State Community College's 2025 Adult Education Graduation Ceremony, held May 1 at Beck Gymnasium on the Wallace Drive Campus. 'Congratulations, graduates,' said Hollie Patterson, director of Adult Education Services. 'You have made the first step in your journey. We want to watch you fly. Enjoy, celebrate and plan your next steps.' Candida Pedro Aguirre, one of the graduates, was awarded a scholarship worth more than $2,100 to Gadsden State. A married mother of three, Aguirre dropped out of high school but pursued her diploma to set an example for her children. A native Spanish speaker who translates for her Guatemalan parents, she plans to become a professional translator. All graduates are eligible for one free class at Gadsden State. Fifteen students earned their GED, which required passing tests in language arts, math, science and social studies. Most utilized the college's free GED preparation courses offered in Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne and Etowah counties. GED recipients included Alex Carson, Clayton Chapman, Mary Cote, Brandon Evans, James Floyd, Lonna Holloway, Jade Holloway, Magen Johnson, Miguel Martinez, Ava Miller, Logan Rosado, Stuart Stanley, Anthony Wallace, Christine Wyatt and Ranie Zvodar. Twenty additional graduates earned high school diplomas through the Non-traditional High School Diploma Option, a program offered in partnership with the Alabama Community College System and the Alabama State Department of Education. The HSDO allows adults who previously earned partial high school credit or were unable to pass graduation exams to complete their diplomas. Those receiving high school diplomas were Daisy Watts, Luna Wallen, Santanner Walker, Triston Taylor, Derrick Taylor, Chelsie Loveless Storey, Jessica Roberts, Ryan Pierce, Candida Pedro Aguirre, Lucas Ledbetter, LaTiffani Knight, Billy Manning Hunt, Kristy Hicks, Bessie Hatcher, Ava Fronek, Rodreka Croft, Micki Chambless, Magen Carroll, Byron Tasheem and Christina Aguilar. Graduates James Floyd, Luna Wallen and Magen Carroll delivered remarks during the ceremony. Dr. Alan Cosby served as the keynote speaker, and Dr. Tera Simmons, executive vice president of Gadsden State, awarded diplomas. 'This is the beginning of a new day for you and your families,' Simmons said. 'You have overcome obstacles and difficulties to come to this defining moment — your graduation. Continue to move forward. Continue to dream. I'm confident that with your hard work, you will achieve your goals.'