Pickens County Adult Education wins state awards; director reports enrollment and funding gains
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Summary
Pickens County Adult Education was honored with multiple statewide awards. The program reported roughly 435 current students, 401 graduates over five years, and recent increases in federal and state funding that will allow hiring additional instructors and expanding programming.
Mr. Blackson, representing the Pickens County Adult Education program, told the School Board the program received multiple statewide awards this year for innovation and student success and described recent gains in enrollment and funding.
Blackson said the adult‑education operation—staffed by roughly 25 people—serves ESL learners and GED/diploma students alongside workforce certificates. He reported the program served just over 2,000 students over the past five years and had 401 graduates during that period; this school year he said the program was serving about 435 students and had already recorded 19 graduates.
The program also marked growth among young adults: Blackson said 52 graduates in the 17–21 age group earned diplomas or GEDs in the year reviewed, and he offered the age breakdown for that cohort. He attributed recent gains to both increased enrollment and intentional process improvements designed to move students more efficiently through credentialing.
Blackson described partnerships with Goodwill, SC Works and Clemson University, and employer‑sponsored workplace literacy at locations including American Waffle and other local employers. He said the program received three federal subgrants (Family Literacy, IEL Civic, APLA) and reported an increase in state funding, allowing the program to hire additional instructors and expand countywide offerings. Blackson also described recent technology upgrades—new intake lab computers, Chromebooks for loan and new classroom projectors—to support testing and remote access.
Board members asked whether the recent 30% increase in graduates reflected increased enrollment or program changes; Blackson said it was a combination of both.
Blackson closed by describing upcoming community engagement, including a spring career and resource fair and expanded outreach across attendance areas.
Note: dollar amounts and grant line items were read aloud during the presentation; the presenter provided numerical figures for the grants and state allocation during his remarks.