Rotarians learn about TCAT’s adult education program

TOP PHOTO: Tennessee College of Applied Technology Adult Education Program assistant director Derick Marlow and TCAT Jacksboro President and South Campbell County Rotary Club President Debbie Petree at Tuesday’s Rotary Club luncheon held at the LaFollette Methodist Church.

By Charlotte Underwood

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Derick Marlow with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Jacksboro/Oneida branches spoke about the school’s Adult Education program on Tuesday at the Campbell County Rotary Club luncheon.

Marlow is the assistant director for the adult education program. He discussed how important it is to attain a high school diploma or equivalent and how it affects earning potential and more. Marlow also went over the many options in Campbell County to work towards obtaining a diploma.

According to Marlow, there are round 6,000 people in Campbell County that do not have their high school diploma.

“Life happens for one reason or another and some students do not obtain a diploma,” Marlow said, explaining that multiple factors can contribute to this.

He discussed how earning a high school diploma or equivalent has a great impact on job opportunities and earning potential.

“It can make a drastic difference, especially if you look at it over a whole lifetime and can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in less income,” Marlow said.

The poverty rate for the city of LaFollette is 31.4 percent, which is directly influenced by a lack of education. He explained that this impacts everything, including the local industry.

Fortunately, there are multiple opportunities to help adults receive an education.

“We have a network of partners we can refer students to for assistance and aid,” Marlow said.

He talked about the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act and several of its programs including the adult dislocated worker and youth programs, as well as adult education and family literacy, vocational rehabilitation and more.

The program serves eight counties in East Tennessee, including Campbell County.

Services offered through the adult education program is varied and can include high school equivalency preparation, math, reading and writing instruction, English as a second language, computer literacy training, employability skill training, career coaching, workforce development initiatives, integrated education and training.

Campbell County Adult Education services are available locally at the Caryville Housing Authority with Tuesday and Wednesday Day classes and Tuesday evening classes. It’s also available at Jellico High School on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Adult education classes are also offered through Springs of Life Recovery Center and through the Campbell County Jail, as well as virtual class options that include live instruction, as well as self-paced options available 24/7.

“We want to make it as accessible and available as possible,” Marlow said.

For more information about the adult education options offered through TCAT, contact Marlow at 423.417.8453 or via email at derick.marlow@tcatoneida.edu. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-11/06/2024-6AM)