In 2002 Eli Lilly awarded an endowment grant to Brown County Schools with one initiative being to establish and provide seed money for an adult learning center for the Brown County community citizens. Lilly’s belief is that post-secondary education is the foundation for meaningful employment and the basis for creating a satisfying quality of life. From that grant the Career Resource Center (CRC) was established, and now is the branch of adult education in our county. The Brown County Career Resource Center’s (CRC) mission is to, “offer educational opportunities, individual counseling, and career-related services intended to improve quality of life and earning potential through lifelong learning. The individual benefits provided by the CRC become a cumulative benefit for the community as a whole, both economically and through inter-generational transfer”.
As a former educator for most of my life, I believe in creating educational opportunities for all, and have been so impressed with the work of the Brown County CRC that I joined the Steering Committee to become more involved. As I have now been in this role for several months, I have learned what an important part the CRC already has played in helping people in Brown County, and I have been excited to see how the CRC has grown and expanded programs and student participation.
Did you know that the CRC provides courses and certification programs in Certified Clinical Medical Assistance (CCMA), Certified Nurses Aid (CNA), Information Technology A+ Certification, Master Electrician, HVAC, and classes to obtain a High School Equivalency Diploma.
They also provide Community Learning Workshops on such topics as Financial Success, Basic Life Support, Basic Computer Skills, Resume Writing and Interviewing, and they provide the successful Jail High School Equivalency Program. Another important advantage to the CRC is that they support the WORKONE Development and Job Placement office which provides career testing, counseling and individuals who are looking for employment. Another initiative is the Community Partners
Program which is working to connect community people to provide mentorships and internships with students. Community members can utilize the computer lab, office services, counseling and many of the workshops at no cost for residents of Brown County. There are some costs to the courses with certifications, but there is even financial aid assistance by application for those.
Accomplishments of the CRC since 2016 includes the enrollment of 462 people in Adult Education (with being on goal with another 100 for this school year), 27,000 people utilizing the CRC and 120 industry recognized certifications offered. 140+ High School Equivalencies have been earned, 55 Certified Clinical Medical Assistants have been trained, 78 Certified Nursing Assistant trained and 42 Electrical Students have completed the program. Consider just how much the programs at the CRC have impacted the lives of those who have gone on to get certifications and degrees! These successes have changed not only the trajectory of those students, but those of their families. This positively impacts all aspects of our community as well!
In May you will have the opportunity to vote YES for the Brown County Schools Referendum. Once cent of this referendum will provide funding that is critical to continue to grow and build the adult education programs that the CRC offers to people in Brown County. Please consider all the CRC is doing to help the community when you vote!
If you would like to learn more about how the CRC can help you, or someone in your family, please call (812) 988-5880 or visit the website at www.browncountyschool.com.
Janis Shaffer is a CRC Advisor Committee Member. She can be contacted at [email protected]
By Janis Shaffer is a CRC Advisor Committee Member. She can be contacted at [email protected]
