Having been in existence now for five decades Manhattan’s Adult Learning Center is marking this milestone with an event at the Chic-Fil-A. The school that was established for adult and alternative education back in 1966 is, according to the Director of the ALC, Vickie Turkowski, “still benefiting students and community” today. It is continuing to grow and this celebration is to thank those who have helped the organization thrive all these years.
One example of how the school has thrived is marked by the event’s attendance of 65+ year old students Leon Havens and Sandra Hobbs who graduated with their high school diplomas thanks to ALC. Hobbs pointed out that when she first came to the school she couldn’t even read or understand what she’d read. now she has a high school diploma. Her next step is to learn how to sew.
There are a variety of programs on offer at the center as well as specialized classes for adults to gain a vocation. For example: the Open Door Diploma Completion Program, English as a Second Language, computer literacy classes and more. In addition the ALC works together with the Manhattan Area Technical College giving students the opportunity to obtain a certification as a Certified Nurse Assistant, Allied Health Field, or Building Trades and Welding.