SJR State expands adult education program

St. Johns River State College faculty are prepared to welcome, encourage and educate a new surge of students this fall as the College combines the school district's adult education program with its own. The classes and GED testing services previously managed by the Putnam County School District will make its transition to SJR State in July, with services available in August. Putnam County residents looking to improve basic skills or take the GED exam will have access to those same opportunities from the College, but with an increased emphasis on academic and career options.

SJR State President Joe Pickens said that the decision to consolidate the two programs was made with the community in mind, as the College's infrastructure is more capable of expanding opportunities to the public. "When one entity can streamline its educational and outreach efforts and maximize its resources, it assures cost-effective advantages and allows for a broader spectrum of developmental services," he said.

Pickens added that he recognizes that not everyone will pursue a college degree after receiving their GED, but the College remains confident in the program's ability to prepare the community for academic and work-related success. "Academic programs that provide a supportive environment and help adults realize their potential are vital to the county's future. Our focus remains on the community and the goal to increase the number of students who enter post-secondary training and are prepared for the workforce," he said.

The decision to transfer the program to SJR State and combine it with the College's Adult Education program was made in March by Putnam County School Board members.

Pickens fulfilled his promise to keep the program accessible in the south and west areas of the county. The classroom locations at Interlachen Elementary School and Miller Intermediate School in Crescent City will remain unchanged. Day classes will resume in August. College officials are exploring the option to offer evening hours at those locations. Classes and testing locations once held at the county center in East Palatka have been relocated to the SJR State Palatka campus on St. Johns Avenue.

According to Melanie Brown, Ph.D., SJR State's vice president for academic affairs, additional academic options will be made available through SJR State's Adult Education Career Pathways, a program designed to help adult education students discover their career aspirations and continue working on their skill sets - at their pace. Brown said workshops include test taking skills, study strategies and preparatory classes that can help students transition into career or vocational programs.

An SJR State GED testing schedule will be available in July. For more information, visit the College Web site at SJRstate.edu/adulted.html or call (386) 312-4080.





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MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Kessler
SJR State Director of Public Relations and Publications
5001 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 312-4020