[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  THE HAMMOND ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM

                                 ______


                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 1995
  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to 
call your attention to the School City of Hammond Adult Education 
Program in Hammond, IN. This outstanding program has successfully taken 
on the immense job of tackling adult illiteracy. I would like to 
highlight for you and my other colleagues this impressive program and 
its many achievements.
  Under the direction of Dr. Gary Jones, assistant superintendent of 
curriculum for the School City of Hammond, and Dr. Steve Watson, 
director of adult education and extended services, the Hammond Adult 
Education Program has developed into one that should be used as a model 
for adult education programs throughout the country.
  The Hammond Adult Education Program uses several innovative 
approaches to fight adult illiteracy. Hammond adult basic programs and 
services include literacy training and life skills education, as well 
as GED preparation and English as a second language. Joblink 2000 
Workforce Development and Instructional Programs, which are joint 
training programs developed by Hammond adult education, the Inland 
Steel Co., and the United Steelworkers of America Local 1010, provide 
academic instruction to steelworkers so that they can learn new skills 
and compete in a global market. Another initiative the Hammond adult 
education is most proud of is the continuing education program 
specifically designed for the Navy recruiting district of Chicago. This 
program, which is the first in the Nation to qualify GED graduates for 
acceptance into the U.S. Navy, was initiated 2 years ago and has proven 
to be very successful.
  The Hammond Adult Education Program has entered into cooperative 
agreements with 22 local agencies, institutions, and organizations to 
coordinate the planning and delivery of services to adults. Moreover, 
Hammond adult education exceeds both Federal and State averages 
relative to student attendance and retention. Again, this year, Hammond 
adult education joined with the city of Hammond and other educational 
institutions to sponsor a job fair. This year's fair, which attracted 
more than 600 participants, was held at the Hammond Area Career Center 
and featured educational provider booths, an assessment of learner 
skills follows up by guidance counseling, and displays by local 
employers.
  The Hammond Adult Education Program is already a nationally 
recognized leader in the field of adult education having received the 
U.S. Secretary of Education's Outstanding Adult Education Program in 
1990. In addition, this distinguished program has received the 
following awards: 1994 Tri City Community Mental Health Center 
Community Service Award; 1990 Region V Outstanding Adult Education 
Program Award; 1990 Indiana Department of Education's nomination for 
Outstanding Adult Education Program Award; 1984 Governor's Indiana 
Adult Literacy Coalition's Exemplary Instruction Award; 1984 Citation 
in Effective Literacy Programs; and, in 1984, the Indiana Division of 
Adult Education Program Quality Award.
  The Hammond Adult Education Program functions as a true melting pot 
for all racial, ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, and religious groups 
in northwest Indiana. In May, I spoke to 231 graduates who received 
their GED diplomas from the Hammond Adult Education Program at the GED 
graduation and recognition ceremony. These fine graduates, along with 
the 2,000 other students enrolled in this program are to be commended 
for their dedication to improve themselves through continuing 
education. I enthusiastically applaud the Hammond Adult Education 
Program for successfully improving the quality of life for residents in 
northwest Indiana.


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