Highland Community College Adult Education has been awarded a $139,000 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation to expand educational and workforce opportunities for adults in rural northeast Kansas through its Rural Pathways to Opportunity initiative.

The grant will support efforts to increase access to adult education services for individuals facing barriers such as transportation, childcare, limited educational attainment, and a lack of nearby educational resources. Through the initiative, participants will have opportunities to earn a GED®, improve foundational academic and workforce skills, obtain industry-recognized credentials, and prepare for employment or post-secondary education.

For more than 40 years, Highland Community College Adult Education has provided comprehensive services throughout a multi-county region, including GED® preparation, Adult Basic Education, English Language Acquisition, workforce readiness, and Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs designed to meet local workforce needs.

"We are grateful to the Patterson Family Foundation for investing in the future of rural Kansans," said Mary Johanning, Director of Adult Education at Highland Community College. "This grant allows us to expand access to education and career pathways for adults who are ready to improve their lives while strengthening the workforce in the communities we serve."

The Rural Pathways to Opportunity initiative will continue Highland Community College's long-standing mission of providing lifelong learning opportunities and supporting economic development across the region. By combining flexible instruction, career navigation, supportive services, and strong partnerships with employers and workforce organizations, the program will help adult learners gain the skills and credentials needed to succeed in today's workforce.

As the first college established in Kansas in 1858, Highland Community College remains committed to expanding educational access and creating opportunities that strengthen individuals, families and rural communities.

For more information about Highland Community College Adult Education, contact: