Clarendon County Adult Education (CCAE) has recently garnered national acclaim for its exceptional contributions to adult education, receiving two prestigious awards from the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE). This recognition highlights the program’s commitment to improving educational opportunities for adult learners in the community.
Key Takeaways
- CCAE received the Excellence in Local Programming Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to adult education.
- Director Lara Kolb was named South Carolina’s State Advocate for Adult Education Fellow for 2025.
- The awards come with a $2,000 stipend to enhance CCAE’s programs.
National Recognition for Excellence
The Excellence in Local Programming Award is a significant honor, presented annually to only one program across the United States. CCAE’s success in improving educational opportunities for adult learners in Clarendon County played a crucial role in this recognition.
Lara Kolb, who has been at the helm of CCAE for seven years, expressed her surprise and pride in receiving the award. "I was a little sour about not receiving a Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant last year, so I thought, ‘You know what? We are good. We are worth it.’ So I applied for this one, and we won," Kolb stated.
Funding for Future Programs
The award includes a $2,000 stipend, which CCAE plans to invest in its programs. Kolb attributes the program’s success to its high graduation rates and its commitment to helping students transition into postsecondary education and the workforce. This funding will further enhance the resources available to adult learners in the area.
Advocacy at the State Level
In addition to the program’s award, Kolb has been selected as South Carolina’s State Advocate for Adult Education Fellow (SAAEF) for 2025. This prestigious fellowship trains leaders in adult education advocacy, allowing Kolb to participate in professional development and policy discussions. As one of only 50 fellows nationwide, she will advocate for increased resources for adult education.
Kolb expressed her enthusiasm for representing South Carolina at the national level, stating, "I love this program, and I don’t want it to be the best-kept secret anymore."
Upcoming Conference Participation
Kolb will be recognized for her achievements at the COABE 2025 Conference in Dallas, scheduled from March 28 to April 2. The fellowship covers all expenses related to her travel, lodging, and participation in advocacy training, providing her with a platform to further promote adult education initiatives.
The Importance of Adult Education
COABE represents over 82,000 adult educators and is dedicated to empowering educators to help adults succeed and communities thrive. Kolb’s recognition underscores the importance of ongoing support for programs that create opportunities for non-traditional students.
"We have an incredible staff and a strong community," Kolb remarked. "These awards show that what we’re doing in Clarendon County matters."
This recognition not only highlights the achievements of CCAE but also emphasizes the critical role of adult education in fostering community development and individual growth.
Sources
- Clarendon County Adult Education earns national recognition for excellence and advocacy | Manning Live, Manning Live.
