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Career pathway programs strengthen
local economy, provide opportunities
for our residents
Community education staff, advisory council
members and community partners invited local
representatives to attend the ‘Annual Breakfast with our
Legislators,’ Tuesday, Dec. 4, to share information about
career pathway programs offered through Metro North
Adult Basic Education (ABE). Anoka-Hennepin Schools
is one of eight school districts that partner to offer ABE
programming through Metro North ABE.
“It used to be that people came to adult basic educa-
tion to get their GED or to learn to speak English or
improve their English language skills - and that was
important because it was the end goal and it was
enough for them to enter the workforce,” Michelle
Trelstad, Anoka-Hennepin Community Education
director, said. “Now, that is no longer what is necessary
- and that is why we started partnering with the
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic
Development (DEED), the career force centers,
post-secondary education and employers to really
help people take that next step.”
Adult Basic Education (ABE) consortia across the
state offer a variety of career pathway programs. A
collaborative network supports Metro North ABE stu-
dents in acquiring workplace skills and training, and in
finding jobs utilizing those new skills in our community.
Partnerships between Metro North ABE, Anoka-Ramsey
Community College and Anoka Technical College,
make it possible for students to be simultaneously
enrolled in Metro North ABE and the colleges to get
hands-on training and on-the-job experience through
internships. Oftentimes, students are hired upon
completion of the career pathway program and land
high-demand, well-paying jobs in our own community.
“There are a lot of opportunities in areas like con-
struction, manufacturing, healthcare and professional
business services where you don’t need that four-year
degree; but with certifications, and career and technical
education, you can get on a pathway and find employ-
ment in the state of Minnesota where you will [earn]
wages at or above four-year degree wages,” Tim
O’Neill, regional analyst for the Minnesota Department
of Employment and Economic Development, said.
Locally, ABE students may currently enroll in
healthcare, sheet metal and administrative office
career pathways.
Discover Community
Education!
We value the opportunity to bring quality
educational programs to our community
members, and there is something for
everyone. Classes and activities are offered
year-round. Register today!
Adult Learning
Partnerships between Metro North Adult Basic Education
(ABE), Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Anoka
Technical College, make it possible for students to be simulta-
neously enrolled in Metro North ABE and the colleges to get
hands-on training and on-the-job experience. Partnerships
with the Anoka County Career Force Center connect learners
to jobs related to their career pathways in our community.
One of the employers that Metro North ABE partners
with is Crest View Senior Communities - serving
patients and residents in Blaine and Columbia Heights.
“Being part of a partnership with the Anoka County
Workforce Board, the Anoka County Workforce Center,
adult basic education, and all of the local technical
schools has played a major role in how we have been
able to fill our positions,” explained Shirley Barnes,
CEO of Crest View Senior Communities.
“Everybody is coming together with the same mission
of building tomorrow’s workforce,” said Nicole
Swanson, Director of the Anoka County Career Force
Center. The Anoka County Career Force Center works
to connect students with career-readiness resources and
employers throughout their career pathway journey.
“I’ve seen the success that can happen,” Barnes said.
“Workforce development is the greatest legacy that we
can leave, and it’s the greatest need right now.”
“When you go to our graduation and an individual
wasn’t successful graduating high school, but because
of the training program that they were in – they get
their GED, and now they are getting a certificate —
and then they were hired — that immediately changes
[their] family, and it lifts that family from point 'A' to
point 'B,'” Swanson said. “And that is why we do the
work that we do.”
View the video highlighting Metro North ABE career
pathway programs, learn more and find enrollment
information at metronorthabe.org. n
Community Education seeks
feedback for the future
Over the past eleven years, Anoka-Hennepin Community Education has worked to bring opportunities to
improve quality of life through wellness – in traditional and untraditional ways – to participants and commu-
nity members through Community Wellness Day. Over 500 people attended the 2019 Community Wellness
Day on Saturday, Jan. 26 at Coon Rapids Middle School.
No matter what your interest or
skill level, Community Education
offers hundreds of classes year-
round for adults ages 18 and up.
Classes focus on technology,
money, creativity, hobbies,
home improvement, parenting,
health, fitness and more! Call
763-506-5766 with questions.
Adults with Disabilities
Specialized classes offer educa-
tional, recreational and social
activities for adults with develop-
mental disabilities that practice
life skills to increase independence,
communication, and community
integration. Call 763-506-1290
with questions.
Youth Enrichment
The Community Schools program
coordinates a wide variety of fun
classes and activities to enhance
your child’s academic and social
experiences after-school, in the
evening and on the weekend. Opportunities for
students in preschool through grade eight include
arts and crafts; science, technology, engineering
and math (STEM) classes; language and perform-
ing arts; sports and recreation; and swimming.
Call 763-506-1260 with questions.
Early Childhood
Family Education
Educational and enrichment
classes are available for families
with young children ages birth
to kindergarten. Classes are
offered for parents to attend with children or for
preschoolers to learn and practice independence.
Call 763-506-1275 with questions about Early
Childhood Family Education and Preschool.
Anoka-Hennepin Community Education
also offers adult basic education, adult/youth
athletic leagues and recreational opportunities,
aquatic fitness, parent involvement, school-age
child care, swimming lessons and tutoring
programs for community members. n
The Community Wellness Day event has touched thousands of people in our schools and in our communi-
ty over the past decade. We are thankful to have brought local businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs
together to share their love of learning with you, one our community members.
It has always been the goal of Community Education to offer programming that meets the needs of our
community. In planning future events, we want to make sure we are meeting your needs and are asking for
your feedback as we move forward, whether we continue with Community Wellness Day as we’ve known it,
or move into new events or opportunities to connect, learn and grow. Please complete our five question
survey to share your own ideas with us online at ahschools.us/feedbackforthefuture. n
www.discovercommunityed.com
facebook.com/
DiscoverCommunityEd
@AHCommunityEd
@AHCommunityEd
Registration open for 2019-20 preschool
Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool is now accepting registrations for the 2019-20 school year.
Locations are available across the district, offering a range of options in days of the week and time.
Registrations received by 8 a.m. on Mar. 1 from families living in the Anoka-Hennepin School District
will be included in a lottery, giving everyone an equal chance at their first choice of class. Families living
outside of the Anoka-Hennepin School District may register beginning Mar. 11.
Learn more and register online at ahschools.us/preschool. n