The Adult Learning Center at the College of Staten Island (CSI) celebrates with its Annual Student Recognition Evening on Tuesday, June 5 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm in the Williamson Theatre at the Willowbrook college’s Center for the Arts.

A sample of student recognition award winners include Joyce W., who raised five daughters of her own and now is balancing her work at a homeless shelter and classes; Arcadia R., who works in maintenance at her daughter’s parochial school and is studying to become a paraprofessional there and go on for her teaching degree; Julie C., who became a U.S. citizen this year and is looking forward to voting in the upcoming elections; Dana C., who quit school at 16 years old because of a serious car accident and after numerous surgeries returned to (General Education Development) GED classes, mastered mathematics, and passed her GED exam on the first try; and Joe B., who battled learning disabilities and attended classes for six years before he received his GED.

The Adult Learning Center at CSI serves approximately 650 students per year in Adult Basic Education, GED, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. Classes are funded through Workforce Investment Act Title II funds, distributed by the New York State Department of Education, and New York City Literacy funds.

Adult Learning Center classes are held on the CSI campus, as well as at local community-based organizations such as the Workforce 1 Career Center, the Osgood Head Start Center, Staten Island University Hospital, and Project Hospitality. All classes are held either in the mornings or evenings.

Students aged 17 and older are assessed and placed in the proper level based on their reading or English language skills. Currently, the Center has nine basic education classes for people reading at the first-grade level or higher, five GED classes, ten ESOL classes, and two bridge classes for students who want to improve their English reading and writing skills.

The College of Staten Island is located at 2800 Victory Boulevard. For further information about the Adult Learning Center contact Staci Weile, Director of Continuing Education and Professional Development, at 718-982-2070.