OCTC's Adult Education Program Honored at Statewide Event
Owensboro, KY (10/21/2025) — On September 18, 2025, the Kentucky Office of Adult Education recognized top-performing providers during the National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week celebration held in Frankfort, Kentucky. Owensboro Community & Technical College's Adult Education program was once again named a Program of Excellence in the state, highlighting its continued impact and excellence in adult education.
Enrollment in Kentucky's adult education and family literacy programs - including GED instruction, workforce preparation, workplace training, integrated education and training, English language acquisition and postsecondary education preparation - increased by 19% during the 2025 state fiscal year. Adult education in Kentucky also achieved significant improvement in its statewide measurable skills rate - from 55.89% in program year 2023 to 63.75% in program year 2024.
"Education opens doors for Kentuckians of all ages, and thanks to the hard work of Team Kentucky and the dedicated providers we're celebrating today, more of our people are on the pathway to a brighter future," said Mrs. Beshear. "Congratulations to everyone who is being recognized today - and to all those who have taken positive steps in their own education journey."
"The numbers reflect notable improvements in instruction, learner engagement and program effectiveness across all adult education providers," said John Gregory, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Adult Education. "We remain dedicated in providing services that empower Kentuckians to achieve their educational and career goals."
Gov. Andy Beshear proclaimed September 14-20, 2025, as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week to recognize achievements and raise awareness of the importance of adult education and family literacy. The following Kentucky adult education providers were honored at today's event:
No. 1 Local Educational Agency - Jessamine County Board of Education
No. 1 Institution of Higher Education - Madisonville Community College
No. 1 Nonprofit Agency - Laurel County Literacy Council Inc.
No. 1 Consortium - Kentucky Educational Development Corp.
Family Literacy Champion
Kentucky Educational Development Corp. and Thorn Hill Education Center
Programs of Excellence
Jessamine County Board of Education
Newport Independent Schools
Owensboro Community & Technical College
Kentucky Educational Development Corp.
West Kentucky Community & Technical College
Although Dr. Ryan Hall, who leads the program, was attending a KCTCS Board of Regents meeting, Meredith Bowers accepted the honor on behalf of the team. The dedicated team also includes Raegan Marshall-Garvin, Rick Thompson, Beth Nicholson, Alitta Leachman, Kim Nicholson, Joy Herzog, and Nancy Kalambayi, all of whom contribute to the program's success in helping Kentuckians achieve their educational goals.
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