Assessing Adult Learner Needs in Carver County: Field Report

Abstract

This project was completed as part of the 2015-2016 Resilient Communities Project (rcp.umn.edu) partnership with Carver County. Carver County manufacturing and industrial employers were having difficulties filling job vacancies. To help address this problem, the County wanted to assess availability of and gaps in adult education opportunities. Project lead Jackie Johnston from the Eastern Carver County School District Community Education program worked with a master's student in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development to assess adult-learner needs and offer strategies for building a strong adult education program. The student recommended that Carver County attract more entry-level employees to the area, encourage vocational training, support higher rates of Latino high school graduation, and encourage employers to assist with training onsite. The student's final report is available.