Newsletters 2014-15 Focus newsletter, [2] winter | Page 6

COMMUNITY EDUCATION PAGE 6 2015 FREE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY Learn more! 763-506-1260 Sat., Jan. 24 I 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jackson Middle School I 6000 109th Ave. N • Champlin Free educational opportunities throughout the day • Health & fitness info • Family book swap • Observatory Powers of the sun • Youth activities • 30+ exhibitors Keynote Speaker: Metro North Adult Basic Education (sponsored by Anoka-Hennepin Community Education), Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Anoka Technical College and the Anoka County Job Training Center have worked together to develop accelerated programs called FastTRAC Pathways, which are accommodating educational programs for students who may already be working another job, taking care of their own children or family members, need reliable transportation or are having difficulty navigating the financial aid process. “Our staff identify which career pathways can provide a livable wage for students and which local businesses need workers before developing these programs,” says Pat Adams, Assistant Manager for Metro North Adult Basic Education. “We are very planful and strategic in our work before developing these programs for potential students.” The FastTRAC Pathways collaboration has developed programs aligned with health care, sheet metal and business services careers. Thanks to the FastTRAC Pathways programs, 288 students from four different cohorts have completed the program in the past three years. FastTRAC Health Care Pathways takes an innovative approach of integrating basic skills education and career specific training with an emphasis in older adult care services. The program aims to assist educationally unprepared students and adults with low incomes in gaining the skills needed in a health care career, obtain a nursing assistant credential, college credits, career advising, tuition assistance and ongoing coaching. Presented by: Nutritional Weight & Wellness “The education that we offer is customized, and it’s designed for adults,” said Adams. “When they come into our classrooms, we find that what students are working on is meaningful and applicable for their life.” FM 107.1 Dishing Up Nutrition Sponsored in part by: • Nutrition to Reduce Aches and Pains Michelle Hall, a recent health care pathways program graduate, was hired as a Nursing Assistant at Volunteers of America within one month of completing the program. “I am excited about advancing my career even further. I plan to enroll in the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at Anoka Technical College,” Hall said. “And I can be proud that I’m a role model for my daughter, now, too.” • Live broadcast: Dishing Up Nutrition 8 a.m. on myTalk 107.1 SCAN ME Many people face personal challenges that prevent them from finishing school, getting professional training and finding a job that sets them on the path to a successful career. Anoka-Hennepin Community Education strives to provide area adults with new and innovative educational programs, one of which is a partnership that puts students on the fast track to success – via career-specific training, basic skills and hands-on experience. The health care branch of the program has been so successful that the Minnesota Department of Human Services presented it with a 2014 Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Award Dec. 15. Darlene Kvist • Five Steps to Boost Metabolism Accelerated and accommodating education programs for career eligible adults Health Care Pathways • Health screenings • Wellness workshops The Fast Track to Success For a complete list of activities & exhibitors visit: www.anoka.k12.mn.us/communitywellnessday Subscribe for updates and free class registration information. To learn more about adult basic education programs and FastTRAC Pathways, please call Metro North Adult Basic Education at 763-783-4870 or visit www.discovercommunityed.com. ■ DISCOVER COMMUNITY EDUCATION Community Education values conn X