Adult Education

ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION

The Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus Adult Education program is committed to motivating and encouraging our students to continue their education and to function as a competent member of society. This program is designed to meet the needs of the adult learner who is interested in finding, improving, or creating a new career path. Students have opportunities to obtain an Arkansas high school diploma (GED), improve basic skills in math, reading, writing, and digital and financial literacy, obtain both state and national certifications, and/or learn to read, write, and speak English.

Adult Education is fully approved and funded by both state and federal grants from the Adult Education Division and is a FREE service to the community.

Message from Regina Olson, program director:

Our centers are committed to providing you with free, flexible, individualized instruction to meet your educational needs. New student registration dates are scheduled approximately every two weeks throughout the year and classes are provided both online and in-person. We encourage you to stop by, email, or call any of our centers listed below to get started on your future today!

Program Options

Adult Basic Education is available to all students with or without a high school diploma that require improvement in reading, math, or language skills to qualify for Fast Track classes, prepare for college entrance and/or avoid remediation classes, enter the military, improve work capabilities, or for personal growth. Math and Reading are offered as instructor-led, hybrid classes where students can participate live, virtually, or work outside of the designated class time from the center or at home. All other subjects can be offered through self-directed, computer-based programs with one-on-one assistance from a certified instructor as needed/desired and can be done at the center or from home.

Fast Track is available to those students who require the Arkansas High School Diploma and are GED Ready as indicated by scoring a 535 on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). Fast Track classes are online and can be done from home or at the center.

English as a Second Language (ESL) allows adults to learn to speak, read, and write English as their second language. Classes are provided both in-person (Clarksville) and online through computer-based learning software such as Rosetta Stone or Burlington English.

WAGE I - Workforce Preparation is provided to all students and includes career exploration, work readiness skills, digital literacy, financial literacy, resume building, and interviewing skills. Students who complete all requirements will receive a WAGE I state certification. WAGE I is online and can be completed from home or at the center.

WAGE II – Industry Specific certifications are provided to all students who have completed a WAGE I certification and include both in-house certifications as well as partnered certification courses in high demand job areas. ATU Adult Education offers Certified Nursing Assistant, Personal Care Assistant, Education Paraprofessional, Intro to Customer Service, Intro to Manufacturing, and Intro to Digital Literacy classes on a repeating basis, free to students, throughout the school year. See SNAP E&T and TANF for qualifications for scholarships in addition to what we offer in-house. Through these scholarships, we have assisted students in phlebotomy, CDL, medical assisting, medical coding, attending college, and more, to those who qualify.

Under 18 – Arkansas High School Diploma/GED is available to underage students aged 16 and 17 under specific registration requirements. Students must provide a notarized Intent to Home School or Attendance Waiver document from their local school district, score a 535 in at least one subject area on the TABE, and attend 20 hours per week until GED obtainment to qualify.

Court Referral Program (CRP) - ATU Adult Education works with the local District Court Judge in Franklin and Johnson Counties to provide ABE and WAGE I Adult Education classes to students in lieu of paying fines for misdemeanors. Students must be court ordered by the judge, sign an agreement with Adult Education and their probation officer, complete testing requirements, and attend required hours at the center each week.

Workplace classes may be arranged on-site with local businesses or industries to upgrade employees' basic skills needed on the job. Contact (479) 667-3520 and ask the director for more information.

Steps to Enrollment:

Contact your local Adult Education center to request a registration appointment.
Complete an online Intake/Registration form.

Complete the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) or TABE CLAS-E (for ESL students) in assigned subject areas. (Required of all students regardless of education level)
Meet with your local Career Coach to set goals and determine classes.

Contact (479) 667-3520 or adulted@atu.edu for more information.