The buzz and excitement that fills the air on the first day of school everywhere. An opportunity for new beginnings as administrators, teachers and students alike return from their summer break refreshed and re-energized for a new session of learning. Books and backpacks and other school supplies filling the landscape with color and providing irrefutable evidence a new school year has arrived for the youth of America.
These are the scenes that cover the Back to School canvas, but it’s a picture that no longer is being painted just for children and teenagers.
Don’t forget about adult students. They’re also in that picture. It’s a new day and age of learning for them as well, and adults are in a class all their own as they embark on their own educational goals and journeys. Many of them are even more eager to learn than their younger counterparts.
There are several options for them to do it in the San Joaquin County area. Delta Sierra Regional Alliance (DSRA) is focused on helping adults return to school or begin new classes that include GED, High School Diploma, English as a Second Language (ESL), Office Basics, Computer Training and an amazing range of Career Technical Education courses. Adult programs are designed to help local adults prepare for employment, increase wages, improve their educational status, provide personal satisfaction and can make a lasting impact on the lives of their children.
The Alliance includes San Joaquin Delta Community College and adult programs in Stockton (Stockton School for Adults), Manteca Unified (be.tech school), Lodi Unified (Lodi Adult School/Lincoln Technical Academy), River Delta Unified (Rio Vista/Clarksburg), Calaveras County, the San Joaquin County Office of Education and Galt Joint Unified.
Adult education can make a real impact on those participating in it.
“Earning my high school diploma has opened doors to many employment opportunities,” said local resident Manual Torres, a graduate of Stockton School for Adults. “I've been working as a warehouse/shipping associate for Staples for over 4½ years now. I'm glad I made the decision to attend adult school and earn my high school diploma. My family is grateful for it too.”
Shavet A., a cosmetology student, said, “My best friend attended Career Academy of Cosmetology (CAC) and told me how much she loved it. I was excited to come to CAC. The staff is nice and I made bonds with other students. I like that my teacher shares his expertise and salon experiences with his students.”
Delta College superintendent/president Kathy Hart praised the local programs for adults.
“Our work with the district’s adult school principals, teachers, counselors and students has been energizing and exciting,” Hart said. “Together we are building career pathways in fields such as Allied Health and Logistics/Transportation. We are providing career preparation “bridge” programs that teach soft skills and career exploration. We are creating services both at Delta and at the Adult Schools to assist students in their transition from English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education and high school diploma preparation to work or to higher education.”
Carol Hirota, Stockton Unified School District’s director of Educational Services, has her own perspective on helping coordinate one of the largest adult school programs in San Joaquin County.
“Working together with Delta College and local adult schools provides increased access to services for our adult students who are seeking employment and career advancement, obtaining a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate and learning to communicate in English,” Hirota said. “This collaboration economically impacts the lives of our adults, our parents of school-aged children and our families as they transition to post-secondary education and select a career pathway.”
The Alliance created a robust website in conjunction with Mayaco Marketing & Internet, a local marketing company. Potential students can go to www.DeltaSierraAdultEd.org and search for local classes in their city. They can also read about schedules, requirements, other student testimonials and much more.
There is a real focus on creating adult learning opportunities that provide technical certificates for programs such as Business Administration, Computer Science, Diesel Technology, Electrical, Engineering, Fashion, Culinary Arts and even Cosmetology. These classes are designed to provide the enhanced skills needed to improve an individual’s career without having to make a long-term commitment to any school like traditional Associate of Arts or Bachelor’s Degree programs.
Many of the classes are free of charge and no tests are necessary to enroll. There is a simple and easy assessment survey in order to understand where each student is at in regard to their learning opportunity. Many classes are offered at a self-paced approach and some are available in the evening for the convenience of students.
For adult school registration, please visit DeltaSierraAdultEd.org or contact each district directly.
- Calaveras Adult School - 209 - 736 - 6046
- Galt Adult School - (209) 745 - 3081 Ext. 2062
- Lodi Adult School (Lincoln Tech Academy) - (209) 331 - 7605
- Manteca Adult School - (209) 858 - 7330
- River Delta Adult School – (707) 374 - 1719
- SJC Office of Education - (209) 229 - 4256
- San Joaquin County Delta College – (209) 954 - 5151 Ext 1
- Stockton School for Adults - 209 - 933 - 7455
- Tracy Adult School - (209) 830 - 3384