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Urbana adult education faces declining state funds but sees enrollment gains; program adds CNA and entrepreneurial bridge offerings
Summary
Adult education leaders told the board state funding tied to attendance has declined, but recent grants and enrollment increases (including over 300 registrations and a 34-seat CNA class) have improved prospects; the program expects to spend into reserves modestly while shifting to part-time instructors to grow attendance.
Shauna, who oversees the district's adult education programs, presented an overview of courses and FY25 budget pressures: ESL, high-school diploma, CNA classes, and a newly approved entrepreneurial bridge class piloted last year. She said state funding from the Illinois Community College Board is down because the funding formula uses a three-year rolling average of enrollment and attendance and COVID-era years are dropping out of the calculation.
"Much of our funding is based on enrollment and attendance," Shauna said. The program has cut two full-time positions (counselor and receptionist) and added part-time instructors to expand class capacity while containing benefit costs. She reported more than 300 adult learners registered and a first CNA class with 34 students.
Why it matters: adult education provides pathways to employment and postsecondary programs and supports vulnerable residents. Shauna highlighted measurable outcomes: the program exceeded the ICCB measurable skill gain goal with 42.6% of students showing level gains and increased post-test rates. The district also reported success in CNA pass rates and high-school diploma persistence metrics.
Financial note: Shauna said the adult-ed budget projects using about $113,000 of reserves if enrollment and attendance do not further increase; the program has secured a few targeted grants (including a digital instruction grant and BRIDAL/transitions funding) that offset declines.
Next steps: staff will continue outreach, expand instructor capacity to boost attendance, formalize exit interviews to track outcomes, and pursue volunteers to support tutoring during flexible instruction periods. The board invited members to visit adult-ed classes and engage with students.
