As we reflect on another year at Five Town Adult & Community Education, we are proud to share highlights from across our programs. From academics to workforce training, language learning, and personal enrichment, our community continues to grow and learn together.
Academics
This year, we proudly celebrated the graduation of three dedicated students who completed their high school diplomas, an achievement that reflects their perseverance and hard work. With more students on track to graduate in the coming months, the momentum is strong. Earning a high school diploma isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s an economic one, too. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that high school graduates earn a median weekly income of $853, while those without a diploma earn $682. That difference adds up over time and underscores the importance of the work we do to help adults reach this critical goal.
Multilingual Learners
Our English language learning community has grown significantly this year, with students joininus from Ecuador, Hungary, Poland, Brazil, Bulgaria, Puerto Rico, Ukraine, and the Philippines. These learners come with diverse goals, whether it’s to improve English in order to obtain a driver’s license, seek new employment, or work toward a high school diploma. Their determination and cultural richness have added depth and energy to our classrooms.
Workforce Development & College Access
In response to evolving community needs, we’ve offered a wide range of classes in healthcare, business, and finance, providing local residents with the skills and confidence they need to take the next step in their careers. Beyond job training, we also support students in enrolling in college and offer ongoing guidance while they’re enrolled. Whether someone is upskilling for a new opportunity, preparing for college-level work, or exploring a new field entirely, our workforce development programs continue to be a powerful launching pad for long-term success.
Enrichment
We’ve had another standout year in our Enrichment programming, offering over 120 classes and welcoming more than 1,800 registrations, which is the second largest enrichment enrollment total in the state with a month still to go! From art and cooking to technology and wellness, our courses have something for everyone. Participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the joy and curiosity that drive lifelong learning in our community.
None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of our teachers, staff, and volunteers. Our Adult Ed team works tirelessly behind the scenes to support students on every step of their journey. Our enrichment program is powered by a diverse group of passionate instructors and generous volunteers who share their time, talent, and expertise to enrich the lives of others. Their efforts are the heart of our program, and we are deeply grateful.