Picayune’s Adult Basic Education program is set to begin next week and officials are hoping to exceed last year’s enrollment numbers.
For many years, the federally funded program has helped adults in Pearl River County and surrounding areas secure their GED and transfer to a college program, ABE Director Kelly Davis said.
Davis, who has taught English for the past 15 years, is also an instructor at Picayune Memorial High School. Last year was her first teaching an adult education class.
“I took the GED myself so I would know what material to teach my students,” Davis said.
In addition to her role as director, Davis also teaches an ABE upper level writing course.
Each of the five ABE instructors is highly qualified and state certified, Davis said. They also take a practice GED test before entering the classroom.
Last year, more than 150 adults reaped the educational benefits of the program and Davis is hoping to increase those numbers and ensure everyone in Pearl River County has this opportunity.
Davis’ main goal this year is not only providing help with GED and entry into college programs, but also employability skills.
“We are trying to get everyone here and focus on industry skills,” Davis said. “We want to help those enter the workforce that have never been in it.”
In addition to job skills and GED preparation, program curriculum also includes English as a second language and intense instruction in English, science, math and history.
The program is open to adults 17 and older, Davis said.
Classes begin Monday at 6 p.m., with an initial placement test, Davis said. They will be held on Mondays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Picayune’s Career and Technology Building, located at 600 Goodyear Blvd.