FREE Barstow Area Adult Education

CONSORTIUM

Studies

HAVE FOUND the Barstow area student population demographics consist of the following:

• 80.7% Socio-economically disadvantaged

• 58.1% Hispanic

• 19.1% African-American

• 20.8% English learners

• 13.6% Students with disabilities

• 14.2% Homeless

• 13% No high school diploma

• 5.4% Unemployment rate (pre-covid).

In simple terms, the Consortium is trying to serve the underserved. We have a large number of recent immigrants, ex-incarcerated, military veterans with PTSD and other issues, single mothers, unemployed, or people just lacking the basic skills to succeed. The adult Education courses could help many of these people break the cycle of poverty, and become valuable community members.

All programs provided by the Adult Education consortium school district members are free of charge to students 18+ years of age.

Barstow Unified School District Adult School is located at 720 E. Main Street, Barstow. Hours are Mon-Wed. 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The phone number is (760) 255-6131. Courses offered include GED Preparation and High School Diploma. Barstow Adult School is also an official GED Testing Center.

Baker Valley Unified Adult School is located at 72100 School House Lane in Baker. The hours vary, depending on program. The phone number is (760) 733-4567. Courses offered include ESL (English as Second Language), US Citizenship test preparation, High School Diploma, and GED test preparation.

Silver Valley Unified Alternative Education Center is located at 33525 Ponnay St. in Daggett. Their hours are Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:00-6:00. Their phone number is (760) 254-2715. Courses offered include High School Diploma, GED Preparation, ESL, and US Citizenship Test Preparation.

Barstow Community College (BCC)

Adult Education Dept. is located at 2700 Barstow Road, Barstow in the Learning Resource Center. The direct phone number is (760) 252-6897. There is a satellite program at Fort Irwin. BCC offers GED test preparation in English & Spanish, completely online. Many services are offered free of charge to support student success: education plan counseling, tutoring, life-skills and workforce workshops, job seeking services, and parenting classes, as well as other resources. Courses offered include ESL, US Citizenship test preparation, and noncollege credit Career Technical Education (CTE). CTE certificate courses include: Digital Literacy - This non-credit course is an introductory course to personal computers, and is designed for those with little to no computer experience. In this course, students will learn about basic computer concepts, computer hardware, software, operating systems, the Internet, email, computer applications, online safety and security. This course also includes a brief introduction to industry standard word processing, spreadsheet, presentation application programs, and computer terminology. This course will prepare students for everyday use of the computer and the convergence of technology as used in today’s global digital environment.

Customer Service - This noncredit course is designed to introduce students to the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to work in a customer-centered position. Great service leads to a better quality of life, whether students intend to work in a private enterprise, for the government, in a non-profit organization, a self-owned or a family-owned business; the concepts, strategies and techniques of effective customer service are relevant. This course will help students develop and enhance skills such as effective communication,

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By John Wease

building relationships, critical thinking, understanding diversity, teamwork, and flexibility.

Essential Skills - This noncredit course is designed to develop or enhance skills essential for excellence in the workplace. Participants will engage in interactive, skillbuilding activities and discussions that include, but is not limited to, collaboration with others, effective oral and written communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and effective interaction in peer and supervisor interactions in the work environment. Additional emphasis will be on improving ethical behavior and cultivating a strong work ethic.

Forklift Operator - This non-credit course is designed to give students training in forklift and other industrial powered trucks typically used in the warehousing and distribution industries including operation, inspection, basic maintenance, and safety in accordance with Cal OSHA standards. Upon successful completion of course, the student will receive certification in accordance with CalOSHA to test for forklift license in California.

Trades Technician – This non-credit course is designed to give the Trades Technician student the fundamental skills and knowledge required for entry-level employment. Covered in this course are Safety, Hand and Power tools, Print Reading, Electrical Basics, HVAC/R, Welding, Pipe fitting & Plumbing systems, and Basic Construction Principles and practices. This course will be appropriate for students who wish to pursue a career in the skilled Residential, Commercial and Industry trades.

The hope is, as adult education students improve English skills, attain diplomas or GED, and successfully earn their CTE certificates, they will either go on to credited courses at Barstow Community College, or enter the workforce in new careers. With the coming BNSF expansion project, there is an increasing number of well-paying jobs. These jobs will create even more jobs in service industries due to the expected population increase. It seems like a great time to sharpen your skills, improve your marketability, and get on the pathway to a successful and happy life.