Kilgore College is seeking community donations to establish a reserve fund in case another shutdown occurs in the Adult Education and Literacy Program, which will resume next week after a pause in August because of federal funding cuts in 2025.
Dr. Nicole Jimmerson, the program director, said the program was discontinued after nearly all federal funding was cut during the government shutdown, KLTV reported.
She recalled that when operations were paused last year, students in the middle of their studies were unable to continue, while those who graduated on Aug. 8 completed the program.
“It kind of left them in limbo, like what do I do now? So, it significantly, significantly hurt the community,” Jimmerson said.
Jimmerson said she hopes that students who were previously in the program will return.
“Once the funds were released, we just step by step by step by step, little by little by little getting it going,” she said.
Adult education programs offer a range of services, including general educational development (GED) prep, English as a second language classes, and integrated education and training programs that help students earn various licenses and certifications.
These programs are designed for adult learners who are not part of the traditional K-12 or higher education sectors, serving adult dropouts and others who need to improve their English language skills.
Federally supported adult education dates back to the Revolutionary War. George Washington ordered chaplains to teach basic literacy to troops at Valley Forge. The modern system later emerged under President Lyndon Johnson, whose 1964 Economic Opportunity Act established adult education as a pillar of his Great Society agenda.
The first GED enrollment session is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 9:00 a.m. at Kilgore College’s Longview campus. Doors will close at 9:15 a.m. and late arrivals will not be accommodated. Students are encouraged to complete the intake form in advance through the link.