At the Durango & Cortez Adult Education Center, we care deeply about our students’ next steps in life. It is a profound honor for our dedicated staff and committed volunteers to watch our hardworking students walk down the aisle at our graduation ceremonies and onward in their lives. For the past 37 plus years of service to our community, we have assisted thousands of people improve their lives through our adult educational programs. We urge you to become part of our caring, learning community through your donation to further our mission of transforming the lives of our students and community.

Transforming Lives Through Adult Education

Your support of the Durango & Cortez Adult Education Center helps adult learners remove barriers to education and attain living-wage jobs. We provide prep classes for high school equivalency (GED) exams, as well as classes in English as a second language (ESL). Additional support services include job skills and training, career advising, U.S. citizenship prep, and community education classes. Our educational programs are for students aged 17-70 and beyond!

Please help us continue to transform the lives of our students by donating to the Durango & Cortez Adult Education Center.

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!

Our Mission: The Durango/Cortez Adult Education Center is 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/Cortez Adult Education Center (DAEC/CAEC) 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/CAEC 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/CAEC. 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/CAEC either as a student or a volunteer. Or, donate now and protect education equity in our region.