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Enfield Adult Education presenters outline regional expansion, testing services and workforce pathways
Summary
Enfield’s newly named post‑secondary and adult learning coordinator told the board the adult education program will expand services across six towns, reopen testing services and pursue CNA and ParaPro pathways to build local workforce pipelines.
Karen, Enfield’s incoming post‑secondary and adult learning coordinator, told the board the adult education program now serves six towns and is aiming to expand coursework and services regionally. “We offer adult high school completion programs, workforce prep, driver’s education, ESL, citizenship and enrichment in our adult ed program,” she said, describing flexible scheduling and evening and online options.
Karen highlighted a Pearson VUE (testing) center hosted by Enfield — “anybody throughout the state can come to Enfield and take it with us” — which the district markets as a unique testing resource. Presenters said the center has historically attracted test‑takers from neighboring states and could expand to host additional professional exams (ETS/Praxis) once staffing and scheduling commitments permit.
The presentation also described plans to restore a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course, launch ParaPro/Pair of Pathways training and grow online GED/CDP (credit diploma program) offerings. Karen said the district will pursue partnerships with local long‑term care and urgent‑care providers to place CNA students in practicums and internships.
Board members applauded the workforce emphasis and asked about staff development and the sustainability of testing offerings. Karen and Alyssa Blanchard (program facilitator) said they will pursue monthly professional development for part‑time staff beginning July 1 and consider opening additional satellite locations in partner towns to reduce travel barriers for learners.
Why it matters: The program’s expansion aims to create local career pipelines (CNA, ParaPro) and remove access barriers by offering classes at neighborhood sites, online, and by expanding testing capacity that may provide modest revenue to support operations.
What’s next: Presenters said they will continue to work on staffing, finalize test center offerings, and coordinate advisory board membership over the summer; the board thanked them and congratulated Karen on her July 1 appointment.
