Warsaw Adult Education recently welcomed community members, partners and local leaders to an open house event at Ivy Tech Warsaw, where its classes are held.
The evening offered an in-depth look at the structure of adult education in Indiana and key services available to adult learners, including High School Equivalency (HiSET and GED) programs, English Language Learner (ELL) support, funding resources and workforce integration opportunities such as Integrated Education and Training (IET) and Workforce Education and Innovation (WEI).
Attendees enjoyed a dinner sponsored by Ivy Tech Warsaw, Lake City Bank and the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. Following the meal, guests toured four active ELL classrooms, observing teachers and students in action and experiencing Warsaw Adult Education’s commitment to adult learning firsthand, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools.
The event featured a keynote address by Warsaw Adult Education’s new director, Leo Patiño, who began his role in July. Patiño emphasized the impact of adult education on both individuals and the community, reinforcing its importance in local workforce development.
Key attendees included school board members; Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools; WCS administrators; Dr. Tom Edington, interim superintendent from Whitko Community Schools; and representatives from local organizations such as Live Well Kosciusko, Fellowship Missions; Jail Chemical Addiction Program, Kosciusko Community Recovery Program, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office; K21 Health Foundation, WorkOne, Lake City Bank, Cardinal Services and Warsaw Community Public Library.
Additional local leaders attended from Rochester City Council, alongside representatives for Congressman Rudy Yakym, Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith and Department of Workforce Development administration team members, including Jerry Haffner, adult education division director, and Rob Moore, consultant for the Indiana Adult Education Mentoring Project. Services offered by Moore and the Indiana Mentoring Project are provided through the Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education (IAACE), funded by the Department of Workforce Development.
Hoffert said, “We are extremely grateful to Mr. Patiño and the Warsaw Adult Education teachers. This programming is a vital community resource, filling a gap and providing a pathway to essential skills needed locally.”
The event highlighted Warsaw Adult Education’s commitment to high-quality education and workforce opportunities for adults in Kosciusko and Fulton counties, the release states. With strong partnerships and support, Warsaw Adult Education is positioned to make a lasting impact on the community and the lives of adult learners, according to the release.
Moore said, “As a retired local adult education program director, I was so impressed with the services Warsaw Community Schools offers through its adult education program. Warsaw's program is a tremendous resource for area employers building their workforce and for residents seeking training and certification in high-demand, high-wage occupations.”
For more information on Warsaw Adult Education programs, contact Leo Patiño, director of adult education, at [email protected], visit their website at www.warsawschools.org/adulted or follow their Facebook page by searching Warsaw Adult Education.