Adult Ed Program Recognized

The adult education department at South Arkansas Community College recently was recognized for having the highest student retention of any Arkansas program with less than 300 students in academic year 2018-2019.

The program had a retention rate of 82 percent, which marks a significant improvement from the rate that it had been carrying each year, according to director Amy Sturdivant. Sturdivant credited a shift in how the program is structured.

“Students are more informed of the steps to earn GED or WAGE up front through our orientation class, which is required before testing or class attendance,” she said. “Many other things have happened, such as improved curriculum, structured classes, new software and resources, online learning, etc.

“We are moving in the right direction in providing more quality services,” she said. “We’re so excited about this. We have a great team and I’m very proud of our faculty, staff and students.”

There are 25 different adult education programs in Arkansas. SouthArk provides services in Union and Bradley Counties.