Special Populations Update - AE
March 2023
Our first Adult Education Student Spotlight is Ahmed, a driven 20-year-old student in our program. His journey is a testament to resilience and determination.
Ahmed was born in Sudan, but his childhood was dramatically altered when his family fled to Ghana. They spent ten years in a refugee camp in Ghana and arrived in the United States just nine months ago.
Now living in Lansing with his parents, five brothers, and one sister, Ahmed is fully committed to his education. He attends Adult Education classes all day at the Welcome Center, balancing his pursuit of a General Educational Development (GED) with English language class. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new environment, he approaches his studies with enthusiasm and a strong work ethic.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Ahmed has a passion for soccer and enjoys reading. He finds joy in playing soccer with his brothers and neighborhood friends, which not only helps him stay active but also connects him with peers who share his interests. Reading is another outlet for Ahmed; it deepens his understanding of the world around him and gives him extra practice reading English.
Looking to the future, Ahmed has big dreams. He aspires to become an engineer and hopes to design trucks someday. His ambition reflects not only his personal goals but also his desire to contribute to society through innovation and creativity.
Ahmed's journey has been marked by significant challenges, yet his resilience shines through in everything he does. We are proud to have him as part of our community and look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in the years to come!
The Lansing School District Adult Education kicked off the year with its inaugural Community Breakfast, bringing together adult learners, teachers, and staff for a morning of connection and camaraderie. Over steaming cups of coffee and a delicious breakfast spread, participants forged new relationships while celebrating their shared commitment to education and personal growth. This gathering highlighted the rich diversity within the community, reminding everyone of the valuable insights we can gain from one another. As we look ahead to our next gathering, we are excited to continue strengthening the bonds that unite us within this program.
Manufacturing Week celebrates the vital role of the American manufacturing industry and the dedicated individuals who drive it forward. This event acknowledges the industry's significant contributions to the economy, innovation, and job creation, while also showcasing the diverse career opportunities within the field. This year, 27 of our adult learners had the incredible opportunity to visit the GM Lansing Grand River Assembly, where they ignited their curiosity and enthusiasm for the auto industry. During the tour, they explored the facility and gained valuable insights into the manufacturing jobs available, helping to nurture the talent pipeline for the future.
As of the last week of September, the Lansing School District Adult Education proudly celebrated the dedication and achievements of nine graduates from our program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a GED typically earn about $9,000 more annually than those without a high school diploma, highlighting the significant financial benefits of earning this credential. With brighter futures ahead and newfound confidence to pursue new opportunities, these graduates are truly deserving of recognition. We eagerly anticipate welcoming many more graduates as the year unfolds.
We offer six levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction along with Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Education Development (GED) preparation.
All classes are held in person at the Welcome Center. Free child care available during day classes.
Open enrollment available all semester on Mondays and Tuesdays. Students will fill out paperwork and take placement tests to determine what class they would be in.
