Delaware Area Career Center issued the following announcement on Jan. 13.
It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot (pen name for Mary Ann Evans)
As individuals drive by our campus on U.S. Route 23 in Delaware, they see our building and might think of the quality career technical programming we provide to both high school and adult students within Delaware and northern Franklin counties.
However, they might not realize the Delaware Area Career Center is recognized as a leader in adult literacy programming within our county, central Ohio and the state. Each year, DACC provides brave beginnings for nearly 1,000 adult students within its English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) or high school equivalency programs. Those programs are designed to help students improve their proficiency in English or develop the skills needed to earn their high school credentials.
DACC’s Aspire program operates under the Ohio Department of Higher Education to offer coursework and other services tuition-free at our Delaware location and in Marysville, Plain City, London, Hilliard and Westerville. In addition, it also provides online literacy programming for the deaf and partially deaf communities statewide. Recently, the U.S. Department of Education recognized DACC and our partners, the Ohio School for the Deaf and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, for innovation in adult education because of this online initiative.
Providing innovative, high-quality programming is only one facet that helps make these programs successful. The real reason for the program’s success is its coordinator, Cindy Wolfe, and teachers like ESOL instructor Megan Arrington and literacy instructor Kerry Seyffer-Sprague. They approach their work with empathy, respect and a deep understanding that every student entering the program brings something to the table. They believe it is their responsibility to celebrate, honor and access these experiences to empower and prepare students to be successful.
For example, Nala, a student from Kuwait, began ESOL classes to improve her English skills. However, she also came with a dream to become an interpreter. Her English proficiency improved through dedication and hard work. She then took coursework to develop the academic skills needed to earn her GED. As a result, Nala earned her high school equivalency, achieved her dream and became a language interpreter.
Seyffer-Sprague said the students working in the Aspire program often hadn’t experienced a sense of academic success. She said when they encounter a success like Nala had, “it affects their whole being, right down to how they stand.” In other words, many feel worthy and feel competent for the first time.
Arrington said this aspect of her work provides the most satisfaction. She can guide students through life-changing learning experiences that improve their lives and improve our community.
Entering the ESOL or high school equivalency program can be a scary step for adult learners. The program coordinator, Wolfe, said that sometimes “just picking up the phone and calling us is the hardest step” because making this initial contact requires introspection, vulnerability and courage. Therefore, the Aspire team works hard to create a safe, welcoming environment to empower students, elevate their lives and achieve their dreams.
If you know of an adult learner who would benefit from improving their literacy skills or developing their proficiency with the English language, please encourage them to call our Aspire office at 740-203-2267. This small act can help someone take courageous action and “become what they might have been.” In other words, you can have a hand in helping someone have a brave beginning.
Original source can be found here.
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