Your future, our focus
P O W E L L, W y o. - The colder weather of winter can be a good time for adults to improve English language skills, study for the GED (General Education Development) or even learn about computers. Powell area residents can get free help with reading, writing, math, GED and citizenship preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL) and computer literacy through the Northwest College Adult Basic Education program in Powell.
Rom Bushnell, director of adult basic education at Northwest College, encourages those who are considering using the services to first contact him to assess their personal situation and the types of training available to them. Bushnell can be reached at (800) 560-4692, ext. 6280, (307) 754-6280 or Rom.Bushnell@northwestcollege.edu.
NWC adult educational services are provided by Kathryn Schaefer and JeriLyn Love at the NWC Workforce Alliance Center (Beckman St.) on the NWC Campus in Powell. They offer on-site instruction on Mondays from 4:30-9 p.m.; Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m.; and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1-7 p.m.
Appointments aren't necessary. Individuals are invited to "drop in" for as long as they need, and as life and work schedules allow.
Basic skills instruction is designed to strengthen basic reading, writing, and math skills for adults and to help learners with low-level skills acquire the skills necessary to both function at the workplace and to begin preparing for the GED exam.
GED instruction is geared specifically to prepare students for the GED test. Students are required to take a preassessment, which allows them to benefit from individualized instruction directed to their particular needs. Depending on the ability level of the student, classes cover basic reading, math and writing - in particular, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, grammar, usage, mechanics, sentence structure, essay writing and reading in the content areas.
Adults needing help with English as a Second Language can start at any level of proficiency with the English language. Some begin with basic survival English in order to communicate on the job, to a clerk in a store or in other real-life situations. Others refine existing skills to improve grammar, pronunciation and sentence structure.
Adults from other countries who want to apply for United States citizenship are schooled in American culture and society to prepare them for the citizenship test.
Instructional services are free to everyone, and financial assistance with the GED testing fee is available for eligible individuals. Training is provided according to each learner's preference for individual one-on-one tutoring or in small group settings.
Click here for more information about Northwest College adult basic education programs and services available in the Big Horn Basin.