(Neosho, MO) – Crowder College’s Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) has been awarded the 2025 Outstanding Performance Award from the Missouri Adult Education & Literacy Office at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The recognition honors programs that exceed federal and state performance targets and demonstrate leadership in adult education and workforce development.
Crowder College AEL recently expanded services to eight Southwest Missouri counties, including Barry, Barton, Cedar, Dade, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, and Newton. Last fiscal year, the program served 705 adult learners, and it has already served nearly 500 learners in the current year. The program supported 92 individuals in earning industry-recognized credentials and achieved a 72.4% student progression rate, meaning nearly three out of every four students made measurable academic gains.
“This award is a testament to the incredible work of the entire Crowder AEL staff,” said Juli DeNisco, AEL Director.
Crowder College AEL provides free programs to eligible adults across the region. Services include:
- AEL Classes to prepare for the High School Equivalency (HSE) exam, strengthen foundational academic skills, and support transitions to college or employment.
- ELL Classes to improve English speaking, reading, and writing skills.
- Integrated Education & Training (IET) programs that pair academic instruction with job training and lead to industry-recognized credentials.
Recent program expansions include increased online learning options, a new Citizenship Preparation Class, new IET pathways in Microsoft Office and TEAS preparation for healthcare careers, and partnerships with the Missouri Job Center’s YouthBuild program. The program has also collaborated with local employers to provide customized Workplace English classes.
Crowder AEL staff recently gathered to celebrate the award with a group photo recognizing the shared achievement.
For more information about classes, please click here or call 417.455.5521.
About Crowder College:
Crowder College was established in April 1963, as the voters of Newton and McDonald counties passed the issue to create a community college (formerly junior college) on the land formerly known as Camp Crowder. Today, the college provides services to a nine-county service region in southwest Missouri with locations in Neosho, Cassville, Joplin, McDonald County, Nevada, and Webb City. The student population exists from within the four-state region, and around the globe. With over 80 degree and program options, the college is a great place to train for a career or transfer to a university.
Reference:
Public Information Office
Crowder College
417.451.3223
Be the first to comment