Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE) Links Spring 2024 | Page 5

Centennial
Centennial Community Education is a small yet effective program that caters to the needs of students . This year , teachers heard about the need for a better understanding of the U . S . Citizenship process . In response , the teachers initiated a U . S . citizenship class that is offered twice a week and focuses on enhancing the student ’ s knowledge of the citizenship process . The curriculum covers a wide range of topics that include U . S . History and Government , tips on filling out the citizenship application , connecting with local immigration legal services , and preparing for the citizenship interview .
The program has been a resounding success , with most students completing the course . The in-person class has been instrumental in encouraging students to prioritize learning and dedicate time to it .
Columbia Heights / Fridley
The Columbia Heights / Fridley site is in its second year of a three-year Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education ( IELCE ) federal grant . Each year , the CH / F site receives $ 150,000 through this grant . Programming includes the creation and integration of civics units into the higher level ESL classes , job search / career planning units for these learners , citizenship preparation classes , and entry-level career pathway programming : Intro to Health Care careers , Food Handler / ServSafe , and the newly created ESL Bridge to CNA in partnership with Prime Time Medical , LLC . The citizenship classes and career pathway classes are open to students across the consortium .
Elk River
Metro North Elk River is pleased to announce that after a COVID-related pause in services , our Adult Basic Education program in Sherburne County Jail is once again running . With the guidance of a new program coordinator and after the hiring of two teachers , classes began in January . We were pleased to welcome back former Sherburne County Jail instructor Katie Johnson , who was integral in restarting the program . Additionally , Evans Ongaga , a California transplant , joined our ranks . The classroom at the jail has been remodeled , and the instructors were met with enthusiastic learners ready to begin their studies .
St . Francis
Two learners are heading down an exciting new life path and we couldn ’ t be more proud .
Two brothers from Cameroon began attending English classes at St Francis Adult Basic Education . Unfortunately , in December , due to scheduling conflicts , they were both unable to continue attending classes .
At the end of January , we persuaded them both to come in for the evening to take an assessment test , visit their classmates , and update us on what they have been doing . It turns out that they both had enlisted in the Army and would be leaving for basic training in the middle of February .
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