By Morgan Bryce
Editor
Auburn native Jan Busby has been hired as the new outreach coordinator for the adult education program at Southern Union State Community College’s Opelika campus.
Previously with Point University, Busby’s main task is to promote the program and what services it offers to people in 14 sites across Chambers, Clay, Lee and Randolph counties.
“We are designed specifically for the population who left high school before graduation, G.E.D. seeking or a non-diploma option, serve adults adults who are English learners and operate a career pathway program for G.E.D.-seeking students that allows them to be dually enrolled and take one regular class on the school’s campus per semester,” Busby said.
Although they are affiliated with Southern Union, Busby explained that her department relies on state funding for its operation.
“Ultimately, our goal is to get more students to come and further their education so they can get better jobs and become better providers for themselves or their families,” Busby said.
According to the Southern Union webpage, its adult education classes are “open entry and open exit. Students work at their own pace rather than in accordance with a set term limit. Instructors provide each learner with an individualized plan of instruction. This plan is based on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) which each person is required to complete before entering classes” and is open “to all Alabama adults age 18 and older; and, to 16 or 17-year-old individuals who have the proper documentation of withdrawal from their public school, private school, church or home schools.”
Following is a full list of courses offered by the program:
Business management
CDL certification
Child development
CNA
First aid/CPR
Machine shop technology
Norstar Digital Literacy Certification (also offered to the general public)
Office management
ServSafe
WorkKeys.
Busby said the public is invited to attend an open house on April 30 from 4 to 6 p.m at the Student Union Building on the Opelika campus. Refreshments will be provided and door prizes given away throughout the event, and individuals will be able to meet with program members for additional information on what services they offer.
“A lot of people often say, ‘oh adult education. What is it that ya’ll do?’ Once they find that out, they often realize how important that information is because these are free services available to our community for people who want to further their education,” Busby said.
For more information, call 334-749-8480 or email Busby at jbusby@suscc.edu. Their office is located in Technical Building 1 on the Opelika campus at 1701 Lafayette Parkway.