LITERACY
LUNCHEON
An Inspirational Fundraising Event
The Durango & Cortez Adult Education Center was honored to host our donors, partners, volunteers and students in September for our annual Literacy Luncheon. It was an inspirational lunch hour as we heard from students and staff about the powerful impact our adult educational programs have had in the lives of our students and in our community.
Did you know that Colorado is one of two states that does not fund adult education? We are proud that our students do not pay anything to attend our classes. We are 100% non-profit and depend on the support of our giving communities that we are honored to serve.
Please help us continue to transform the lives of our students my donating to the Durango & Cortez Adult Education Center,
EARLY GIVING HAS BEGUN
COLORADO GIVES 2024
Early giving has started for Colorado Gives! From November1 through December 10, every donation you make will be boosted with a $1M+ Incentive Fund, made possible by Colorado Gives Foundation and FirstBank. This is a fantastic opportunity to double your impact and support our efforts of transforming lives through our adult education programs.
Employment Opportunity
Math/Science Adult Educator for Cortez Site
The Durango and Cortez Adult Education Center seeks an experienced educator to join our team of caring and dedicated staff. The Math/Science Adult Educator is part of our High School Equivalency program, comprising highly skilled, patient, and committed teachers.
Part-Time Childcare Assistant Substitute
The Durango/Cortez Adult Education Center (DAEC/CAEC) is seeking a positive and personable individual to join our team of caring professionals. The Childcare Provider position interfaces with some of CAEC’s current students, their children and the staff. This position will provide childcare to children, ages 1 – 11 years, in a safe and healthy environment while their parents attend classes. Childcare Providers engage children in activities and provide guidance for appropriate behavior. An individual who demonstrates compassion, flexibility, and a willingness to try new things will work best in this position.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW – EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Love working with children? We’ll help you pursue a certificate or degree!
The Durango Adult Education Center offers a range of scholarships to help you become a childcare provider and educator! Scholarships are good towards any type of Early Childhood Education program.
Earn Scholarships for:
- Childhood Development Associate (CDA)
- Lead Teacher Certification
- Director Certification
- A.A. in Early Childhood Education
- B.A. in Early Childhood Education
Contact our Career Advisor to learn more!
Amy Benson: 970-259-2094 or abenson@durangoadulted.org.
SUPPORT ADULT EDUCATION IN SW COLORADO
Education Enriches the Whole Community
Since the Adult Education Center was founded in 1987, it has proved to be a bulwark of equitable education opportunities. Adults who acquire or improve English as a second language buoy the financial security of their entire household. They can take a more active role in the community and in their children’s education. Adults who complete a high school equivalent program to earn a GED break past the many barriers that would otherwise trap them in low-wage and low-skill employment. Many in this community have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs who contribute to the overall economic vitality of the region.
In our Spring 2022 Newsletter, we detail the benefits of our free services our Centers in Durango and Cortez provide with individuals and how these benefits ripple across the entire community. Our programs would not be possible without the tremendous, generous support we receive from local organizations and ordinary local people.
Preview the newsletter and lend your support to equitable education today!
QUALITY PROGRAMS. QUALITY RESULTS.
Our Mission: Durango Adult Education Center, a caring learning community, fills educational gaps by providing the skills and knowledge necessary for livable wage careers, post-secondary education, and social and economic mobility.
The Durango Adult Education Center (DAEC) provides affordable and effective education to young adults (17) and adults over 18. We equip individuals with the knowledge they need to lead productive lives, allowing them to better contribute to the local economy and the overall health of our communities. Learn more about why you should study with DAEC.
Furthermore, DAEC protects the rights of individuals with disabilities by providing equal access to programs and services. For more information contact our Resource Coordinator, Jill Colburn-Bernard, at jcolburn@durangoadulted.org or 970.385.4354 Ext. 14.
Our students come from diverse educational and economic backgrounds. They choose us because we offer:
- Teachers who personally invest in the success of each student
- Small, caring learning environments with updated technology
- A flexible, student-oriented class schedule that adapts to most needs
- Extensive support services including onsite childcare, snacks, career advising, and scholarships
Nearly 300 students each year attend classes at the DAEC. Our success is directly attributed to the many donors who recognize the importance of education in our community and our volunteers who help tutor, teach and assist with office duties and more. Contact us today to learn how to get involved with the DAEC either as a student or a volunteer. Or, donate now and protect education equity in our region.
Pearson VUE Testing Site
We are an authorized Pearson VUE testing site and proctor a variety of industry-specific licensure, certification, and regulatory exams. Learn more about Pearson VUE testing here.
Student Testimonial
When Silvano Hernandez Zarate arrived in our community he didn’t not speak any english, But Silvano possessed not just a knack for language; he exhibited a hunger for knowledge that was all too evident to his ESL teachers at our center.
Newslettter
Stay in touch. Be inspired. Subscribe to our newsletter for program news and student highlights. Enjoy archived editions here.
Spring 2024 Edition Now Available
From the Blog
Real Teachers Versus Virtual Apps
Who Shall Win in the Battle to Teach English as a Second Language? With free language-learning apps aplenty and fast-acting AI bots providing near-instantaneous translation, why are classrooms where English is taught as a second language bursting at the [...]
Leap to Freedom
One Couple’s Journey from Thin Ice to Solid Ground The snowy tundra is vast. You pound through stiff, groaning snow. You come to a frozen lake. To go around it would set back your journey for too many hours. [...]
A Dash of Courage
When a young, aspiring chef must drop out of high school, she quickly learns a new recipe for success by pursuing her GED at the Adult Education Center in Durango.
THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL SPONSORS
Meet Our Students
This is a story about a dad, his family, and a secret. It’s a true story. The dad in question: Trevor Gallegos. His secret was very old and painful. His wife was the only other person who knew. His four children—ages 9, 5, 3, and 1—were in the dark.
How could he tell them the truth? They might not look at him the same if they knew. Fathers are supposed to be successful. Fathers are supposed to be heroes.
“I’ve always been kind of shameful about never finishing my education,” Trevor confesses. “I was always good at school but the turn of events…” he trails off.
Trevor grew up in Towaoc, Colorado, just outside of Cortez. In the 10th grade, when most students were stressing about learner’s permits to drive or being asked to prom, he had to find work and support himself entirely. Read more…