Rio Salado College was named the 2024-2025 Adult Education Program of the Year by the Arizona State Department of Education during its recent Institute event.
Rio Salado’s Community Development Division, which includes Adult Education, serves more than 6,000 adult learners each year, individuals striving to better their lives and those of their families and community through GED test preparation, English Language classes, and in-demand career training
“The instructional and support services teams at Rio Salado are amazing and so are our students,” said Melissa Carpenter, associate dean for Community Development. “Rio Salado continues to lead the state of Arizona in student outcomes because the staff bring their passion and dedication to their work every day. Students in our program feel cared for, and they know that we will help them reach their academic and career goals.”
This honor continues a strong legacy of recognition for Rio Salado College’s Adult Education program. Over the past decade, Rio Salado has been celebrated multiple times for its excellence and innovation in serving adult learners. The program has been named Adult Education Program of the Year four times — in 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, as well as this past year - and has also earned distinction as an Excelling Adult Education Program for the Delivery of Integrated Education and Training (2023–24).
Students who take part in the program master career skills and improve their circumstances.
“Returning to school after more than a decade away was very intimidating,” said Juan Jesus, who earned his high school equivalency diploma through GED testing this past academic year and spoke at the graduation ceremony. “Despite all the negative voices in my head whispering that I wasn’t good enough or smart enough, I made the decision to go against every fear and doubt, and I enrolled. I am proud to say I’m in my final stages to complete the Computer System Support program. I have also joined the Adult ACE Program, which is helping me earn half the college credits toward my associate degree.”
The Adults Achieving a College Education (Adult ACE) program is a college-to-career preparation program for students enrolled in GED® test prep and higher-level English language courses.
Students like Vanessa Tulley, who overcame tremendous challenges to earn a high school equivalency diploma this past academic year, often finish multiple educational paths while at Rio Salado. Tulley earned career training certificates and began her college journey toward becoming an electrician. She also spoke at Rio Salado’s graduation ceremony in the spring and expressed her gratitude to the Arizona Department of Education for funding Rio’s Adult Education program.
“Without this support, many of us – especially adult learners like me – wouldn’t have access to the education, training, and resources we need to transform our lives,” she said. “Adult Education opened doors for me exactly when I needed it, and they continue to do so. To anyone wondering if it’s too late – I promise you, it’s not.”
Rio Salado is the state’s largest provider of adult education and the Maricopa Community College District’s principal provider of Adult Education programs.
“This award celebrates the perseverance of our students and the dedication of our educators who walk beside them every step of the way,” said Elizabeth “E” Cole, associate dean for Community Development. “Adult education changes lives, and this recognition affirms the power of second chances and lifelong learning.”
Rio Salado Student Recognized
In addition to the department honors, Rio Salado student Klodia Salman was recognized by the Arizona Association for Lifelong Learning as the ESOL Student of the Year. This award honors an ELAA, or citizenship student. The nominee has been an active student during the current calendar year, demonstrated persistence and leadership, and contributed to the field of Adult Education.
Salman came to Arizona in 2013 as a refugee from Baghdad, Iraq. She completed multiple career-ready certifications, as well as English lessons, during her time at Rio, which began in April 2023. She attends morning classes and additional evening tutoring, while also caring for family.
"Adult Ed has played a crucial role in my journey,” she said. “I am working on my English skills to achieve my dream as a travel agent. I thank Rio Salado College for connecting me with Business and Professional Women (a local professional partner) who have provided me with valuable support.”
Rio Salado Adult Education Earns Accolades Across the Country
An Inside Higher Ed report (2021) emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between noncredit and credit programs in community colleges to achieve greater equity. Rio Salado College's Adult Education program has taken proactive steps to address this challenge through innovative partnerships to create college bridge solutions. These efforts have supported noncredit adult education students to access and excel in college-level career training programs, thereby contributing to Arizona’s workforce and economic development.
The Rio Salado College Adult Education Department’s efforts received national honors in the last few years. Here are a few:
- 2023 CAEL Adult Learner Impact Award: This award recognized Rio Salado for its innovative partnerships, workforce training, and career services for adult learners.
- 2023 CAEL Learner of the Year Award - Don Huai: This award honors students who embody the life-changing potential of adult education. The award is given in recognition of someone who has had to overcome multiple barriers in pursuit of higher learning.
- 2023 Innovation of the Year Award: During the 2024 League of Innovation Conference, the department presented its award-winning career training model aimed at upskilling adult education students. The Integrated Education Training (IET) program model supports underprepared learners, helping students earn a high school equivalency diploma through the GED® test or other pathways or improve their English language skills while simultaneously gaining employability skills through Rio Salado or sister Maricopa Community College campuses. Rio Salado was honored by Maricopa Community Colleges and the League for Innovation in the Community College in 2023 with the Innovation of the Year award for the district.
- Strada Education Foundation’s Beyond Completion Challenge: Rio Salado was the only community college to be awarded this grant in 2023. The funding supports the college’s efforts to scale its adult education-to-career pathways and expand access to workforce training and postsecondary transition opportunities for adult learners.