Lurleen B. Wallace Community College’s Jennifer Hall, adult education specialist and continuing education coordinator, recently visited Washington, D.C., as part of a delegation of educators to educate federal policymakers about the importance of adult education.

“Hill Day” was sponsored by the Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE), a national education organization. Hall spent a full day on Capitol Hill, spotlighting the work LBWCC is doing to improve the job readiness skills of students to change their lives, help their families, and strengthen their communities.

“Adult education is an important part of the mission of community colleges in Alabama and the nation,” said LBWCC President Dr. Herb Riedel. “Our program helped nearly 300 individuals last year alone and continues to reach out to those who need to complete a GED to further their education or improve their employment opportunities. We are pleased that Jennifer Hall was able to represent our College on the federal level.”

Meeting with staff from the offices of Sen. Richard Shelby and Rep. Martha Roby, Hall discussed the importance of federal funds through the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act in LBWCC’s ability to help adults acquire the skills and knowledge needed to enter postsecondary education or employment and become full partners in the educational development of their children.

“It was gratifying to talk directly to decision makers in Washington about these important programs,” said Hall.

“It was an opportunity to serve as a champion for Alabama’s adult education programs that are changing lives. I want to be certain our leaders understand how vital these programs are to our communities.”

Sharon Bonney, executive director of COABE, said she was pleased that educators from around the country were able to participate. COABE organized the effort to share information with Congressional members and staff about the vital work of LBWCC and other education programs for adults who are striving to improve their workforce skills.

“Educators like Jennifer have their important day jobs. But we are not just educators, we are also advocates for our students, programs, and communities,” said Bonney. “We were so pleased to be able to host her in Washington for our Hill Day.”