Day 10: In tough economic times, Adult Education responds

During her annual review to the Board of Education several weeks ago, Adult & Continuing Education Director Darlene Chiles reported that the division served well-over 3,000 adults in their various programs and classes during fiscal year 2009.  Even better news: Chiles reported that the division is looking at a fund balance of over $240,000, a stark increase from the June 30, 2006 balance of just over $58,000.
The growth of Adult & Continuing Education can be tied directly to the hard work and dedication of the staff committed to serving the area’s adult population, especially those faced with a dire economic situation that has resulted in job loss and tough financial times.  Many adults are returning to school and moving forward in a whole new direction with their careers with the realization that the workforce is shifting and many of the jobs lost will not be returning.  With that realization, OHP is charged with meeting the demands of a new workforce faced with new possibilities.
What has the new economy meant for Ohio Hi-Point’s Adult & Continuing Education Division?
•    Increased programs and services in adult workforce education, business education, health careers, industrial and engineering programs, marketing education, public safety services, special interest courses and Adult Basic Literacy Education
•    Continued growth in the Nancy J. Knight School of Nursing, where 65 students graduated in 2009.  The nursing program now hosts programs on the Bellefontaine campus, the Urbana campus, in Marysville and will open up a program in Kenton in 2010
•    The addition of a pharmacy technician program in Health Occupations
•    An increased presence in Champaign County after the opening of the Urbana campus this past summer.  OHP’s Adult Division now services adults from Clark County, as well
•    An increase of offerings in the Adult Basic Literacy Education section, where adults can receive GED training and testing or take remedial coursework in preparation for college
Since the very nature of adult education is based upon the needs of the workforce and the demands change quickly, the rapid response methods OHP has utilized in meeting the needs of the area is impressive. 
Even more impressive is the high quality of the academics and training being provided.  Chiles noted during the annual review that the 2008-2009 performance measures were released with Ohio Hi-Point meeting all eight required targets, including a 91% program completion rate, up from 88.4% in fiscal year 2008.  Chiles also reported that the division has a high 95.3% positive post-program completion rate.  This was up from 88% in fiscal year 2007.  There was no report done in fiscal year 2008.
There is no doubt that Adult & Continuing Education is soaring at the moment and for the staff within this division there is no rest, as they prepare to explore increased programming in Hardin County, as well as programming in green technologies to meet the expected high-demands of the future alternative energy job market.
How can you connect with Ohio Hi-Point and discover a career pathway that is right for you?

• Visit the Adult Education Student Services web page for information on financial aid and admissions
• Visit the Adult Basic Literacy Education web page for the latest information on GED testing, Work Keys testing, career assessment opportunities and remedial classes
• Become a fan of the Adult Education Facebook page or OHP's Twitter to get more frequent updates
• Watch for the Spring/Summer 2010 Course Guide in the mail in the coming weeks and on our website in the coming days and explore career development programs or short-term enrichment opportunities