Open house opens learning opportunities for county residents

“We’re really excited to have the doors open to our permanent learning center,” said Michelle Abramson, adult education director with the Plumas County Office of Education, about the new Feather River Adult School at 501 Main St. in Quincy.

A steady stream of people came to see the new office during the open house Sept. 18, and to learn more about the programs that are being offered in the space.

Feather River College President Kevin Trutna and Dean of Instruction Derek Lerch were in attendance, as well as Chef Sean Conry, whose culinary students from the Plumas County Jail program prepared the appetizers for the event. FRC is one of the partners in the Feather River Adult Education Consortium.

Karen Miller, who along with her husband Brad Miller teaches at the adult school, said “Just tonight, we’ve had several folks actually sign up to take the assessment tests that are the first step in obtaining their high school diplomas, as well as people interested in computer literacy courses, CTE (Career and Technical Education), and in financial literacy.”

The site has just been approved as a GED Pearson Vue Test Center, the first in Plumas County. “Having a local GED test center removes one of the obstacles some of our residents have in completing their GED programs,” commented teacher Miller, “Oftentimes our students work during the day, and don’t have the time or means to travel to Chico or Reno to take the test. Now, when a student is ready, they can stay in Plumas County to be tested.”

A high school or equivalent diploma is a common requirement for employment, and being able to complete the GED from start to finish in Plumas County will give more people a chance to apply for jobs they wouldn’t have qualified for without a diploma.

The Feather River Adult Education Consortium comprises three districts: Feather River College, Plumas County Office of Education, and Sierra County Office of Education.

The Feather River Adult School is a program of the Plumas County Office of Education, and offers a wide array of classes and high school diploma completion options. Academic classes in basic math, English skills, computer skills, algebra, and ESL (English as a Second Language) are available as well as more career-oriented courses such as Dental Assisting, Medical Technology and Restaurant Management, to name a few. “Virtually all coursework is offered free of charge to students,” said Abramson. “It’s a great opportunity to brush up on or add to your job skills.”

Contact the Feather River Adult School at 283-1003 or email Director Michelle Abramson at [email protected].