PCC's Award-winning Adult Ed Program recognized at start of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

TUCSON, AZ – Pima Community College’s Adult Basic Education for College and Career division is joining other literacy groups from across the country to celebrate National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, September 16-20, 2024. This annual event celebrates adult literacy and lifelong learning and raises public awareness about the need for and value of adult education and family literacy. According to the National Coalition on Literacy,

43 million working age Americans lack the skills needed for many of the nation’s fastest growing and highest paid jobs.
Adults who participate in adult education programs have higher incomes, better health outcomes, and higher participation in civic activities like voting.
The Arizona Department of Education reports that approximately 1 out of every 9 adults age 18 and up in Pima County lacks a high school credential.

PCC’s Adult Basic Education division plays a critical role in promoting adult literacy. Each year, a dedicated team of educators, staff, and volunteers help over 4,000 adult students who need to strengthen their basic literacy and math skills, improve their English, study for a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, and prepare for college and career.

Last week, at the Arizona Department of Education’s Adult Education Institute, the Arizona Association for Lifelong Learning (AALL) held its annual award ceremony, recognizing individuals and groups throughout Arizona that have made exceptional contributions to the field of Adult Education. This year, PCC won an astounding 8 out of the 10 total awards:

Pima Community College -- 2024 AALL Award Winners

Amber Owens, IT IBEST Student: ABE Student of the Year Award
Jenni Ryan, ABECC Instructor: AALL Educator of the Year Award
Alex Greengard, ABECC Instructor: AALL Rookie of the Year Award
Kayla Rodriguez, ABECC Operations Assistant: AALL Support Staff of the Year Award
Janet Sellwood, ESOL Volunteer: AALL Volunteer of the Year Award
PCC’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) Department and IT IBEST Partner: Award of Excellence in Honor of Gary P. Tang
Mary Jo Chmielweski, former IBEST Manager: Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Gary A. Eyre
Katy Brown, ABECC Instructor: Lifelong Learning Advocate Award in Honor of Francis E. Blake

On Monday, September 16th, NAEFL week will kick off with the first-ever National GED Day. This day celebrates GED achievements and brighter futures through education, and recognizes the dedication of GED learners, educators, graduates, and everyone who supports them throughout their educational journeys.

PCC’s Adult Basic Education program which provides basic literacy to high school equivalency level classes, English language instruction and testing, serving 4,000 students and testers every year. For more information on PCC’s GED/HSE preparation classes and testing, contact 520-206-7330 or go to pima.edu/adulted.

Contact:
Laurie Kierstead-Joseph
Assistant Vice Chancellor
Adult Basic Education for College & Career
lkierstead@pima.edu