[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 21, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S4911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DOVER ADULT LEARNING CENTER

 Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I come to the floor to recognize 
the Dover Adult Learning Center--DALC--on its 50th anniversary. For 
five decades, the hard-working team at the DALC has supported thousands 
of adult learners in their quest to reinforce their learning skills and 
improve their lives through high-quality adult education. I join a 
grateful community in saluting them for the indispensable service they 
provide not only to each participant, but also to local partners and 
businesses who benefit from an educated and engaged workforce.
  We all know that an education is the key to unlocking so many doors 
of opportunity. These doors could lead to a fulfilling new job, a hard-
earned promotion at a current place of work, or additional education 
and training at a community college. No matter the destination, the 
Dover Adult Learning Center works closely with community members 
throughout their educational journey to identify personal goals and 
provide tailored instruction that guides them toward their full 
potential. The center offers an inviting atmosphere where students of 
all types--including people with disabilities, people who are homeless 
or unemployed, teens who might otherwise drop out of high school or 
immigrants learning English--feel comfortable honing their reading, 
writing, math, and digital literacy skills. At the Dover Adult Learning 
Center, a high-quality adult education is always within reach.
  Each June, the Dover Adult Learning Center holds a graduation 
ceremony where participants are able to celebrate the successful 
completion of their program alongside family, friends, center staff, 
and volunteer tutors. It is a time to reflect on a period of personal 
growth and achievement. It is also a chance to look forward with hope. 
For many graduates, an exciting future with new possibilities is only 
just beginning. Through their experience at the Dover Adult Learning 
Center, they are given the tools to venture into this new world with an 
open mind and a lifelong appreciation for learning.
  As a former teacher at the Dover Adult Learning Center, I know from 
personal experience how hard the center works to provide these programs 
and accommodate each participant through a variety of learning options, 
flexible schedules, and access to supportive services like childcare. 
Its staff and educators are creative in connecting and engaging with 
each student, and they are always there to offer support and guidance. 
We should take a moment to thank all of the teachers, staff, and 
volunteers for the skill, dedication, and passion that they bring to 
their roles at the center each and every day.
  On behalf of the people of New Hampshire, I ask my colleagues and all 
Americans to join me in congratulating the Dover Adult Learning Center 
on five decades of service and wishing its team all the best as they 
continue their important work in the coming years.

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