$20,000 grant for adult schooling

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune Representatives of Wells Fargo Bank gather with Madera Adult School officials as they present the Madera County Workforce with a check for $20,000 on Sept. 22.

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Madera Adult School and Madera County Workforce Investment Corporation recently accepted a $20,000 grant award from Wells Fargo to support their high school equivalency (HiSET) preparatory class.

“A high school diploma or its equivalent is essential to successful entry into the workforce in positions that provide an opportunity for career growth and pathways,” explained Elaine Craig, executive director of Workforce Investment.

In Madera, about half of the residents don’t have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Craig said the existence of an “open entry, open exit” class, offered at various times, boosts confidence of adults who might otherwise shy away from such a program.

“This then motivates them to take and complete additional occupational skill training, which provides greater opportunity in the workforce for self-sufficiency,” said Craig.

For information, contact Elaine Craig, 662-4589.