The Winchester Clark County Literacy Council conducted its final commencement ceremony for graduates in its Adult Literacy GED program on June 24.
The program that had provided hundreds of Clark County adults with an opportunity to finish their high school educations over the past 20 years ended after the council lost its bid to continue providing the services in May.
Although Bluegrass Community and Technical College will take over the program in the fall, the adults who were already working toward their GEDs in the program were going to be left without assistance or guidance until then.
Not wanting to see their current students left in a lurch, teachers and staff at the adult literacy center decided to step up and fill the gap by offering a tutoring program until BCTC gets its program under way.
“Although we now face an uncertain future ourselves, the main concern for the faculty and staff members at the Winchester Clark County Literacy Council is for the students who have been studying there,” teacher Beckie Denton said. “For this reason, Faye Wiseman, the director of the literacy council, proposed a tutoring program for current students during the interim.”
Several of the former adult education instructors and other concerned
individuals in Clark County are volunteering their time and expertise to help the students by tutoring in all subjects for GED preparation and adult basic education.
The tutoring sessions will be offered twice a week, Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Clark County Homeless Coalition office located at 19 Wainscott Ave. — the red brick building next to the homeless shelter.
If necessary, changes to the tutoring schedule will be posted at the Clark County Public Library and on Facebook.
Denton said the teachers and others were excited when Wiseman approached them about the tutoring program because they were worried about the current students.
“Everyone was enthusiastic about Faye’s suggestion because want our students be able to continue studying and to have the opportunity of keeping their skills sharp during the interim,” Denton said. “We appreciate the help from the Homeless Coalition, the Clark County Public Library, The Sun and everyone who is helping make this possible.”
Contact Bob Flynn at blfynn@winchestersun.com.
