Earlier this month LLCC Adult Education student Mike Akuda represented LLCC on a student panel in Peoria at the ICCB Forum for Excellence. Mike is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and enrolled at LLCC to improve his English language skills. Mike then completed LLCC’s Digital Marketing and E-Commerce certificate in June 2024 and utilizes his news skills to run his two online businesses.
Category Archives: Adult Education
In the News
Patty Mendoza, director, adult education and literacy, was interviewed on WTAX Monday morning, Aug. 26, about LLCC’s upcoming Conversation Tables at the Chatham Public Library.
In the news
Dr. Laurel Bretz, associate vice president of continuing, corporate and professional education, was interviewed by WTIM yesterday. She discussed the start of fall classes and educational opportunities in LLCC Continuing Education, including custom training, continuing education units, online options, GED prep, English language skills and community education classes.
LLCC to host Conversation Tables at Chatham Public Library
LLCCAdult Education will host Conversation Tables for English language learners every Monday, 5-6:30 p.m., from Oct. 7-Nov. 18, at Chatham Public Library, 600 Spruce Street.
“Conversation Tables will give English language learners a chance to connect with others and practice conversational English in a comfortable environment,” said Patty Mendoza, director, adult education and literacy at LLCC.
It’s free to participate in Conversation Tables, but registration is required. LLCC will hold information sessions at the Chatham Public Library on the following dates:
- Sept. 10 – 9-9:30 a.m. & 10-10:30 a.m.
- Sept. 12 – 5-5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 17 – 9-9:30 a.m. & 10-10:30 a.m.
- Sept. 26 – 5-5:30 p.m.
Registration will be held immediately following each session and will include a short English language assessment, which could take up to an hour.
Conversation Tables were made possible through a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, using funds designated for literacy.
Visit www.llcc.edu/literacy-tutoring for more information. You can also register for Conversation Tables by contacting Marybeth Hentrich, adult education coordinator, at 217-786-2572.
The 2024 LLCC Adult Education Recognition Ceremony is tonight
You are invited to celebrate the successes of our LLCC Adult Education and Literacy students tonight from 6-8 p.m. in the Student Union.
Students will be recognized for their achievements such as completing their high school diploma, English language learning achievements and completion of Bridge and ICAPS courses.
LLCC Adult Education Recognition Ceremony, May 9
You are invited to celebrate the successes of our LLCC Adult Education and Literacy students on May 9 from 6-8 p.m. in the Student Union.
Students will be recognized for their achievements such as completing their high school diploma, English language learning achievements and completion of Bridge and ICAPS courses.
LLCC student named IACEA Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year
Congratulations to LLCC’s Maxime Kassa, who was recently named Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year at the Illinois Adult and Continuing Educators Association (IACEA) Conference on March 7. The award recognizes an adult education student who has improved the life situation of themselves or others as a result of learning experience, has demonstrated leadership within formal or nontraditional learning, has overcome difficult circumstances in order to pursue learning experience, and has been supportive of others engaged in adult learning. After coming to LLCC to strengthen his English skills, Maxime completed his construction occupations certificate and will graduate this May with an associate degree in applied science in construction occupations. He has inspired others to enroll in the college’s adult education program.
Tinch presents at ITBE conference
Allison Tinch, LLCC ESL instructor, showcased her expertise at the Illinois Teachers of Bilingual Education (ITBE) conference in Chicago on Feb. 24. The focus of her presentation, “Family, Culture, Self: Unraveling the Motivational Forces in Adult ESL Learners,” delved into the intricate influences of family and native language (L1) community on the motivation of adult ESL learners. She shared valuable insights for enhancing responsive programs that seamlessly integrate classrooms with the social environments of learners. Along with sharing her knowledge with other ESL instructors across the state, Allison returned with valuable ESL instructional approaches, methods and best practices. Her sharing of these insights with colleagues actively contributes to the ongoing professional growth within the ESL teaching community.
Congratulations Margarita Zinn, on her new role
LLCC Adult Education and Literacy congratulates Margarita Zinn on moving from part-time to full-time program assistant. Margarita is a 2021 LLCC alumna who has been working part-time at the college for the past year. She began her full-time duties on March 1. You may reach out to her at 217-786-2349 or margarita.zinn@llcc.edu. Congratulations Margarita!
LLCC awarded $400,000 student transition grant
LLCC was recently awarded a $400,000 grant from the Illinois Community College Board to create, support and expand bridge programs and services for adult education students through the Innovative Bridge and Transition (IBT) Grant program.
LLCC aims to increase opportunities for student transitions from State of Illinois High School Diploma preparation or English as a second language courses to and through workforce and health care training at the college so that graduates can achieve certificates, industry recognized credentials and employment.
“We’re looking forward to expanding the support we can provide as part of collaborative teaching practices between career training instructors and basic skills instructors,” explains Patty Mendoza, director of adult education and literacy at LLCC. “The students will receive additional instruction as well as reading, math and language skill assistance contextualized to the career training program in which they are enrolled.”
LLCC provided one such support course with additional instruction and basic skills assistance in diesel technologies this fall. This grant will allow for the expansion of such opportunities in areas such as automotive technology, hospitality, basic nurse assistant (CNA) and business.
The grant will also fund a part-time navigator position to support and provide enrollment assistance to students as they transition from adult basic education and English as a second language courses to career training programs at the college.
For more information about LLCC Adult Education programming, visit www.llcc.edu/adult-education, email AdultEducationandLiteracy@llcc.edu or call 217-786-2349.