Pickens County Adult Education touted for awards, rising enrollment and new grants
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Summary
The Pickens County Adult Education program reported a 30% year-over-year increase in graduates (94), 52 young-adult graduates, partnerships with employers and colleges, and new federal and state funding increases totaling $261,044.82 (federal grants) and about $335,561.86 (state), enabling hires and program expansion.
The Pickens County Adult Education program presented a ‘celebration of success’ at the Nov. 17 board meeting, reporting rising enrollment, statewide awards and new grant funding that administrators say will expand services across the county.
Brad Blackson, who identified himself as representing the Pickens County Adult Learning Center, said the program has a staff of about 25 and has served just over 2,000 students in the last five years. He said adult-education pathways include high-school diploma or GED options, industry-recognized credentials, Northstar digital-literacy certifications, and stackable credentials tied to workforce needs in IT, manufacturing and health care.
Blackson said last year’s cohort produced 94 graduates — a 30% increase over the previous year — and that 52 of those graduates were young adults aged 17–21. He added that nearly half of adult-education graduates nationally go on to college, and that the local program emphasizes employers and post-program transitions.
On funding, Blackson said the program received three federal awards (Family Literacy Subgrant, IEL Civic subgrant, and APPLA subgrant) totaling $261,044.82, which he described as a 12.34% federal increase that amounts to $28,672.82 annually over the five-year award period. He also cited state funding increases (he referenced $335,561.86) and said the additional resources enabled hiring four new teachers and supporting expanded satellite offerings, transportation and childcare at some sites.
Blackson described employer partnerships — citing Goodwill and American Waffle as examples — that include workplace-literacy classes and employer incentives (he said American Waffle offered a $500 incentive for employees who take the class and linked promotions to completion of ESL training). He also noted partnerships with Clemson University and Tri-County Technical College for dual-enrollment or pathway exposure opportunities.
Board members congratulated the program and asked clarifying questions about the drivers of the graduation increase; Blackson said the change reflected both higher enrollment and more intentional, efficient processes to move students through credentialing and diplomas. The presentation included examples of technology upgrades and community-engagement events planned for next spring.