Centennial |
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The Centennial Adult Education Center provides a range of English as a Second Language ( ESL ) classes tailored to meet the needs of a diverse and expanding community of English language learners . These classes cater to individuals from a variety of linguistic and cultural backgrounds , offering beginner to advanced levels of instruction .
The center serves immigrants , refugees , and long-term residents seeking to improve their English proficiency for better employment opportunities , social integration , and access to education . With over 100 students enrolled annually , the center emphasizes a student-centered approach , providing flexible schedules , personalized learning plans , and supportive services like childcare and career counseling . The curriculum is aligned with state and federal standards , ensuring that students are prepared for further education or workforce training programs . Additionally , the center collaborates with local community organizations and employers to offer job readiness training , vocational ESL courses , and citizenship preparation , responding to the growing demand for language skills in an increasingly globalized community .
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Columbia Heights / Fridley
Adult Education Center- Columbia Heights / Fridley ( CHF ) classes are in high demand . A large waitlist of students hovers over 200 , despite placing students from the list weekly . The CHF site pursued grants to fund additional classes this year . A $ 10,000 Dollar General Foundation grant was awarded to help with some of the cost of adding an additional evening class ( level 3 PM ). Also , the Columbia Heights and Fridley School districts partnered with CHF and the Fridley / Columbia Heights Rotary Club to spearhead a District Rotary Grant . CHF was awarded a grant of $ 28,800 to add an evening class for students with lower-level English skills ( level 1 PM ). We are very grateful for this assistance in serving the large number of learners waiting to learn English !
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Elk River
After a multi-year renovation project and relocating for summer construction three times in four years , Elk River Adult Basic Education was excited to move back into their remodeled Handke Center classrooms in September . Initially constructed in 1929 , the original Handke building received minimal updates over the last 95 years . Due to a voter-approved referendum in 2019 , the historic building was scheduled for an extensive renovation . This expansive project brought all the mechanical and aesthetic elements up-to-date but also allowed for purposeful design elements to be added to spaces dedicated to Community Education programs . ABE ’ s space was intentionally designed with break-out testing spaces , a student lounge and kitchen area , and nearby classrooms joined by a doorway to provide easy access between classrooms . “ We ’ ve always enjoyed this location for its old school character , views , and natural sunlight ,” said Site Coordinator Sherry Smith , “ but the renovation has brightened things up and made our space more functional .” Learners dealt with many inconveniences during the remodeling process , so welcoming them into the new space was satisfying .
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St . Francis
The St . Francis Adult Education Center recently moved to the Early Childhood and Family Center in Oak Grove , which is closer to the main transit routes . The aim of the move is to strengthen partnerships with St . Francis parents and families by establishing a central location for a wide range of resources and services , ultimately improving accessibility for the community .
We will be offering inperson classes four days a week , alternating between mornings and afternoons . We are excited to serve adults in St . Francis who are motivated to reach their full potential .
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