A USDA Rural Development grant for over $28,000 is making it possible for new Adult Education classes at Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central High School.
These classes, which are offered in Carroll County for anyone wishing to obtain a high school equivalency diploma or participate in the ACT Workkeys program, are being held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday nights in the school library. The program is being piloted in an effort to help individuals sustain a better quality of life by being qualified for higher-paying jobs.
The classes are being taught by Mary Ryan Bond, who is also a pre-K teacher at Central Elementary, and these classes are geared toward helping young adults get an ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).
The grant provided funds for 30 laptop computers, ACT WorkKeys curriculum software, and a portable cart for the computers.
Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler and county legislators forwarded the money to kick-start this program until the grant money arrived, after which the county was reimbursed.
Local, state, and school officials gathered January 22 at the Central library to officially announce this program, which organizers are hoping to expand to other parts of the county and rural areas across the state.
Speaking and/or recognized during this event were Jim Tracy, state USDA director and former state senator; Joel Howard, area director for the USDA; Angela Hollingsworth, Adult Education director for the Northwest Tennessee Region; RaSha Higdon, program assistant for Carroll County locations; Hollow Rock-Bruceton Director of Schools David Duncan; and community volunteer Joe T. Wood, who played a big role in getting the program started.
Tracy commented that this kind of program not only helps individuals improve their lives and employment opportunities, a better educated and qualified workforce serves to attract industries to rural areas.
Anyone wishing to sign up for Adult Education classes can contact Higdon at 731-986-4841.
