WILLISTON, N.D. - Located in the Crighton Building, Williston State College's Adult Learning Center (ALC) has undergone some changes for the 2018-2019 academic year, including the introduction of two new staff.

The ALC coordinates the Adult Basic and Secondary Education Program which provides services to help adults increase their knowledge and improve upon skills essential in today's world.

The four main areas of service include: literacy skills; basic skills (in mathematics, social studies, English, etc.); GED prep and success; and English Language Learning.

"The Adult Learning Center offers a wide array of services," explained Amanda Piesik, the Director of Adult Learning. "We offer test proctoring services and are a testing center for Pearson VUE (test delivery service) and others. We have free English Language and GED classes and all levels of learners."

The two newest staff, Renee Gerard and Paul Jacobson, bring additional passion and energy to the ALC. Gerard, hailing from Pittsburgh, and Jacobson, a Williston native and WSC alumnus, both enjoy teaching and seeing their students succeed.

"Renee and Paul are very passionate about teaching and encouraging our students," said Piesik. "They bring all sorts of new ideas to help students succeed beyond what we can offer at the ALC."

The following are some exciting changes that have been implemented.

A new GED registration process is in place. The ALC holds 8-week GED sessions and interested students can sign up on scheduled registration days. The first registration day of 2019, January 9, resulted in a full GED program. For future registration dates and times please follow the Williston Adult Learning Center Facebook page.

The ALC now also offers free computer classes. These classes are held once or twice a month depending on interest and cover a wide range of topics including computing basics and intro to Microsoft Word.

A new Citizenship Course for English Learners is available. Classes are held every Thursday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and open to all levels.

The ALC is also researching ways to partner with Williams and McKenzie County correctional centers to offer a GED program to inmates.

"I think it's important that people realize that we continue to help our students even after they move beyond the Center," emphasized Piesik. "We encourage all our GED Students to attend college or to participate in programs offered around the community. As graduates of Williams County, our students can qualify for one of WSC's regional scholarships."

For more information on the ALC, please contact Amanda Piesik, Director of Adult Learning, at amanda.piesik@willistonstate.edu or 701.774.4221.

For more information on WSC please visit www.willistonstate.edu, call 1.888.863.9455, or stop by 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND.