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 will provide childcare to children, ages 1 – 11 years, at the Cortez Adult Education Center in a safe and healthy environment while their parents attend classes. Learn More

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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.
From Our Director
Join Our GED Program
Join Our English as a Second Language Class
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.
Fall 2024 Newsletter
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Student Testimonial
From the Blog
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…