Community Partnerships for Adult Learning
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Supported by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education
at the U.S. Department of Education
Jefferson County Public Schools Adult and Continuing Education
Highlights
Introduction
Background
Making GED Diplomas More Accessible
Getting To Work: Project ACHIEVE
Transition To Postsecondary Education
The Workforce Education Initiative
Conclusion
Complete Profile (PDF, 270kb)
Return to Summary

HIGHLIGHTS

The Jefferson County Public Schools Adult and Continuing Education unit (JCPSAE) is the hub of a vast network of partnerships with higher education institutions, businesses, community- and faith-based organizations, social services agencies, and local government that works to extend adult education throughout the greater Louisville area.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS IN LOUISVILLE. . .

  • The Free GED Testing Campaign encouraged adult learners to take the GED test before it changed in January 2002.

  • The In-School GED Program helps the public schools to keep at-risk students in school and support them to get their GED diplomas and "graduate" with their peers.

  • Project ACHIEVE provides short-term job-readiness training and placement for adults receiving public assistance.

  • Transition to Postsecondary Education enables the faculties in adult education and the local community and technical colleges to share resources to serve the students who move between their programs.

  • The Workforce Education Initiative works to coordinate partnership activities and improve education at all levels in Louisville.

AND WHY THEY WORK. . .

  • Partners share a vision of community needs. They also have a clear understanding of the unique resources each partner brings to the table.

  • Partners know each other—and how to form successful partnerships. Louisville has a well-established tradition of partnerships as a way of meeting community needs, and partners have long-standing relationships.

  • Overlapping governance structures foster communication. Partners serve on each other's advisory councils and task forces, which helps keep all abreast of progress and problems.

  • A key leader constantly builds broader community involvement. The director of JCPSAE, a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader, has strong support from the state and school district and constantly seeks more opportunities for partnerships and services for adult learners.

  • Community leaders support partnerships. Leaders from business, higher education, the mayor's office, local employers, community agencies, the Louisville public schools, and other organizations are involved in partnership activities.

  • Partners are creative in seeking and merging program funds to meet specific needs. They disregard organizational boundaries when necessary.

  • Partnership activities are formulated around "mutual self-interest." All partners see the partnership as essential to meeting their own goals as well as community needs.