At YWCA Tri-County Area’s Adult Education and Training Center our educators emphasize empowering students beyond the classroom “We really do empower students which enables them to change their lives!” Sue Outland, Student Success Advisor. Not only are our adult learners changing their lives, but they are setting the next generation on a whole new trajectory.
According to the NCCP, National Center for Children in Poverty ‘82% of children whose parents have less than a high school diploma live in low-income families.’ But that number drops by 30 percent when parents receive a high school diploma or equivalent. Many of our adult education students graduate from our center and go on to receive college educations which then lowers their likelihood of poverty to just 24%.
While our Adult Education Center always puts the focus on adult learners as individuals, the profound impact that one individual can have on our community for generations is not lost on us. When we invest in education and empower people to change their lives, success is contagious.
“So many of our students are thankful for their classes here at the YWCA Adult Ed Center. Samuel Ne Landa is just one of many.” Sue Outland, Student Success Advisor.
Samuel Ne Landa shares the huge impact the teacher and staff at the ETC have had on his journey.
“While I was taking Dr. Campbell’s CCRT (College and Career Readiness Training) Class, I was searching for a job. The class gave me the confidence to make it to the final interviews with Sight and Sound which was a two-and-a-half-month process.” Samuel reflects on his time navigating the job market and looking for new opportunities.
“I didn’t end up getting that job but landed the perfect job for me as a Video Content Creator with LCBC (Life Change by Christ) Church.”
Samuel explains a profound change that took place while taking this course. Connecting his prior English knowledge and skills, as a non-native English speaker, with new ones, meeting him at his skill level to help enhance his English. “I stopped having to translate everything in my head; I could think in English and then just speak in English. My speaking became more natural.”
A game-changer for Samual was the confidence he gained from the course. “Even though I was still afraid to speak at those interviews, some people told me they would never have guessed I was nervous.”
Despite still having worries, Samuel was able to convey confidence and nail his interviews. Of course, like all students, Samuel’s story extends beyond YW3CA, as he is currently a Video Content Creator at the LCBC Church. “I appreciate my class and I love my new job!” 
YW3CA wants to extend a warm congratulations to Samuel as he continues his professional journey. Our hope for you is that your success is contagious, that you never stop learning, and you always believe in yourself.
If you would like to support adult learners like Samuel, consider volunteering or donating to the YW3CA, visit www.yw3ca.org/donate to learn more.
