SCC Adult Education and Literacy Program Leading State in Student Progress

Published: 08/10/2021

For the last two years, St. Charles Community College’s Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) program has had the highest percentage of measurable skill gains for students in Missouri, despite many challenges brought on by the pandemic.

“Our committed approach, along with the expertise of our teaching and office staff, allow us to stand apart from many of the AEL programs in the state,” explained Mandy Rose, associate dean of AEL at SCC.

The SCC AEL program serves more than 700 students every year. Many students come to the program to finish their high school education. Some come to learn English language instruction (ESL). Others utilize the program to gain important credentials in industries such as healthcare, logistics and hospitality. 

The SCC AEL program currently employs seven dedicated office staff and 32 passionate instructors, but Rose says it's often the volunteer staff who can really make a difference in a student's life. 

“Our volunteers are so amazing. Our volunteer program has grown to more than 50 dedicated community members who want nothing more than for a student to succeed," said Rose. "Not only do they provide assistance in every AEL or ESL classroom, they build lifelong relationships with our students."

The classes are completely free for students. Because of its efficiency and leadership, the SCC AEL program operates at a much lower cost than the state average.

“Costs are kept low by strategically planning programming using available data and operational knowledge,” explained Rose. “We don't continue to do the same thing the same way, just because we have done it that way in the past. We have carefully constructed procedures and policies that serve our real purpose: making our students successful.”

SCC supports the AEL program by providing office space and classrooms on campus, as well as the technology and tools necessary to make the program a success.

“The SCC AEL program is successful due to the support and engagement of the College combined with the genuine, passionate mission of staff to enrich the lives of our students academically,” said Rose. “It is within our mission to have a personal relationship with our students so that their successes are our successes, and they know we support their paths forward.”

There are currently 28 Adult Education and Literacy programs in the State of Missouri. Each program is expected to meet the targets set forth by the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

Learn more about the Adult Education & Literacy program!