The students are all dressed in their gowns. Family and friends are in the stands cheering, anticipating the completion of the students’ educational journey. Pomp and Circumstance begins to play in the background, and the students march in and take their seats.
This is the traditional series of events that takes place for high school students in the United States. However, not every high school student experiences this occasion. Due to family obligations and other personal struggles, not all students graduate at the end of their senior year in high school. In fact, according to the North Bay Employment Connection’s Regional Plan, 15.9% of the adults in Mendocino County do not have a high school diploma (NBEC, 2021).
Luckily, there is another way for students to earn their diplomas when they are ready. The Ukiah Adult School offers classes to all people who are 18 years and older, and our largest program is for people ready to complete their High School Diploma. After enrolling in the school, students plan an intake interview during which we determine the number of credits needed to complete the diploma and discuss any possible obstacles and supports that may delay/assist the completion of the diploma. Then the student is on their way. Register here: https://adultschool.uusd.net/apps/form/form.UKIUSD-UKAS.sMejLa5.2zJ
There are other great programs that are offered by the Ukiah Adult School, as well.
There are English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for any folks who would like to learn or improve their English. UAS has an ESL Literacy class which is for very beginning English learners. We also host more advanced ESL courses in partnership with Mendocino College at our campus.
Recently we began a new class in Spanish Literacy. This course is for native Spanish speakers who would like to improve their reading and writing skills in Spanish prior to, or at the same time as they attend ESL classes. We developed this course as studies show that people are more successful learning a new language when they have strong literacy skills in their primary language (Dressler, C., & Kamil, M. L. (Collaborator). (2006)).
Additionally, if non-US citizen residents are interested in preparing for the Citizenship exam and interview, we offer a 5-week course that will do just that. The next series of classes will begin on April 17. Students should bring their green cards to the class, and may register in room 2 on the first evening of class. More information may be found at www.ukiahcitizenship.com.
We have an 18-month Vocational Nursing program which was established in 1975. The next cohort for the VN program will begin in late August. Applications will be released before the end of this month and will be available here: https://adultschool.uusd.net/
Students may take introductory computer classes at our campus. In August 2023, we plan to host a Mendocino College Computer Science class in Spanish on our campus. The details for that class are still being finalized.
Our Small Wonders State-run preschool offers childcare for working families during a morning and an afternoon session each weekday. Children may attend at the age of three. The children learn through educational-based play activities.
Finally, in partnership with Ukiah Valley Adult Habilitation (UVAH), we offer career and life training for Adults with Disabilities.
One last note. We offer free child care to our students from 5:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday evenings.
So, whether you or someone you know would like to continue your education free of charge, please stop by and see us at 1056 North Bush Street or call 707-463-5217. It may be time to hear the processional music and throw your graduation cap in the air!