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JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ADULT EDUCATION IN MAINE
WHEREAS, since 1871, Maine's public schools have supported the development of an adult education system that has grown and adapted to meet the needs of Maine's population at 120 locations throughout the State, and which now serves more than 121,000 Maine adults annually; and
WHEREAS,  adult education programs based in the public school systems are uniquely positioned to provide adults with learning opportunities where they live in Maine; and
WHEREAS,  adult education programs are vital to the economic development of Maine, providing high school completion programs and courses specifically designed to help educate the workforce and prepare Maine adults for success in college; and
WHEREAS,  the areas of emphasis in adult education include:
1. Comprehensive adult education college transition programs, known as college transition programs, based upon collaboration with the Maine Compact for Higher Education, the Maine Community College System and the University of Maine System, that provide career guidance, an orientation to college and refresher and prerequisite classes for aspiring students. These programs are in place in 22 regions of Maine, and adult education services are also provided through other programs in the State. The goal is to increase the number of adults in Maine earning college degrees by 10,000 by 2020 through formal programs at more than 30 sites;
2. Direct service to more than 3,500 of Maine's dislocated workers from 100 companies during the past 5 years;
3. Literacy and English as a second language programs with 15,000 enrollments in 2007 and successful family literacy programs combining adult education, early childhood education and parenting instruction;
4. High school completion and GED programs, with 3,196 credentials awarded in Maine in 2007; and
5. Career preparation and upgrading courses for Maine workers, with more than 21,000 enrollments in 2007, and programs tailored specifically for Maine businesses, including the implementation of a work ready credential program for Maine employers focusing on soft skills for success in the workplace; and
WHEREAS,  community education courses contribute to the quality of life in Maine communities. In 2007, Mainers from 18 to 96 years of age were given the opportunity to share talents and learn from others through those courses. In several regions, adult education programs are leading the way in developing the creative economy; and
WHEREAS,  funding for adult education in Maine is a partnership that includes state subsidy, local taxpayer support, grants, contracts and fees paid by those enrolled in nonacademic courses; now, therefore, be it
 
That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Legislature now assembled in the First Special Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity to pause to acknowledge and applaud Maine's adult education programs, which uniquely reflect the needs of the communities they serve and provide a vital system of service to the population of the State as new challenges are faced in economic, community and family life; and be it further
 
That suitable copies of this resolution, duly authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to the Department of Education.