Rio Salado College Honors Arizona Adult Literacy Week

Rio Salado College Honors Arizona Adult Literacy Week

Rio Salado College Adult Education celebrated Arizona Adult Literacy week, March 28th through April 2nd, which Arizona’s Governor Doug Ducey once again recognized through a signed proclamation. This proclamation acknowledges the adult education system's critical role in supporting our workforce and economy.  

The proclamation identifies “approximately 14 percent of the population ages 18 and over lack a high school diploma or the equivalent, experience literacy issues that impact their lives, their families, their ability to work productively, and their full participation as cities and residents. Arizona Adult Literacy week will encourage and promote literacy and lifelong learning across our great State.”

At Rio Salado, we’ve always been firm advocates for the value of Adult Education. Rio’s award-winning Adult Education program continues to be the largest provider of Adult Education in Arizona and serves as the sole provider of adult education services for the Maricopa Community College District. We offer a range of award-winning programming that includes:

• GED® test preparation

• English language/ESL classes

• Career training

"Adult education is a critical partner in the workforce system, and the services offered across adult education programs are crucial to helping all Arizonans achieve economic and social mobility," said Elizabeth Cole, Director of Outreach & Partnerships. "Adult education creates a more educated workforce, which supports the economic vitality of our communities and state."

Accolades only tell a fraction of the story—the real proof of our commitment to uplifting and educating working adults comes from our alumni, the students who mastered essential career skills and improved their circumstances by learning at Rio Salado. Students like Rio graduate Rotasha Bellemy, “Rio Salado helped me prepare for the future by giving me the skills and knowledge to continue my education.” Student Selena Torres explored her passion for the medical field in the career training program, Medical Administrative Assisting, held in partnership with Phoenix College. “Taking this program was one of the best decisions in my life. I never thought I could find a job I love in the medical field, but after taking this class, I want to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse.” 

"While Adult education offers foundations in reading and math, as well as assisting immigrants and English learners improve their English proficiency, the reach of adult education is much broader," Cole said. "Adult education classes also incorporate workforce preparation activities to ensure learners acquire the competencies employers value: critical thinking, digital literacy, self-management, and other employability skills to ensure their success in the workplace. Adult education also helps prepare diverse learners with college and career readiness skills that lead to employment or the transition to postsecondary education." Visit Rio’s Adult Ed Career Training Opportunities to learn more about all the programs offered for Adult Education students.

Rio Salado also offers an Adults Achieving a College Education (Adult ACE) program, a college-to-career preparation program for students enrolled in GED® test prep and higher-level English language courses. "I would recommend this program because there is so much support for students," said Adult ACE alumni Peter Chacon. He's far from the only one to sing the program's praises: several other Adult ACE graduates shared their experiences with the program in this video.

If you’re interested in pursuing adult education classes at Rio, talk to our team at (480) 517-8110.