Augusta Adult & Community Education (AACE) offers a variety of programming that supports the overall health, education, and financial stability of our communities. AACE extends far beyond the typical community enrichment courses and/or high school completion options, such as high school diploma or HiSET credential programs, expected of a traditional adult education program. The organization also provides an English language acquisition program, academic and career advising, college transition support, and workforce development, including various certificate programs and earn-to-learn opportunities.
AACE already aligns with the vision for education by expanding community-based opportunities for families to access books and tools that support reading. They offer “Family Literacy StoryTime Adventures” program once per month and “Snowshoe & Story Time” transitioning to StoryTime in Nature where families can access hiking trails and a guide will read aloud, along the trail hike. They also partner with Literacy Volunteers of Kennebec to provide monthly Scrabble Meets to support overall literacy and language – these will be back in the Fall!
As part of its Impact2032 Plan, AACE will be working towards supporting childcare providers with free or low-cost professional development to improve instructional practices and early childhood teaching and learning through Communities of Practice (CoP) in collaboration with the Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network (MRTQ PDN). Not only will participants in the program receive high quality training to support their work, but they will also be able to access financial incentives to start and/or further their education in early childhood education.
