PCCAE Celebrates Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
September 12, 2011
Tucson, AZ -- For more than 40 years, Pima Community College Adult Education has provided adult learners in Pima County with opportunities to increase their basic skills, prepare to earn a GED, learn English, increase their civic involvement and participate in family literacy.
On August 1, Representative Jared Polis (D-CO) introduced, for the third year in a row, a House resolution (H. Res. 385) designating the week of September 12 as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.
In addition, for the very first time a similar bipartisan resolution recognizing the week of September 12 as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week was introduced in the Senate by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN).
During this week, activities are planned throughout adult education and family literacy programs nationwide to highlight literacy activities and to raise awareness of the critical role that adult education and family literacy play in our country, economy and nation’s well-being.
Some of the activities PCC Adult Education has planned include a meeting with Councilwoman Regina Romero; a public announcement on the El Rio Center marquee regarding National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week; the Student Leadership Council will award the first GED testing scholarships; extended hours at the El Rio Branch Library; and a partnership with the Pima County Public Libraries to provide on-going Education & Literacy programs. Also, El Rio Advanced English students and Student Leadership Council representatives will participate in a special Social Media & Adult Ed Awareness event.
Additionally, PCC Adult Education will send two student presenters, Mary Guillen and Silvia Baiza, to VALUEUSA's National Adult Education Conference in Sacramento, California. This conference is held every other year to bring together Adult Education learners from around the country to discuss key challenges and developments in adult literacy, share practices, learn new skills, network and celebrate achievements.
Common between the student presenters is the desire to strengthen adult literacy programs through leadership and involvement. Mary Guillen, one of Pima’s Adult Education’s student leaders and ambassador, has a strong dedication and passion for lifelong learning and leadership. She has completed intensive leadership and public speaking training, visited the legislature, met with lawmakers, participated and presented at statewide adult education conferences and has helped other students learn how to feel comfortable with speaking in front of an audience on issues they are passionate about. She is also a member in the Adult Education Honor Society.
Silvia Baiza, is also one of Pima’s Adult Education’s student leaders and ambassador. As an Adult Education ambassador, she has visited with government representatives to share her personal story on how adult education has helped her. She is also a member in the Adult Education Honor Society.
For more information about Pima's Adult Education programs and services, call (520) 206-3987 or email pcae@pima.edu. For more information on the National Coalition For Literacy, go to http://www.national-coalition-literacy.org/index.html.
CONTACT:
C.J. Karamargin
Vice Chancellor for Public Information and Government Relations
(520) 206-4850