For the second year in a row, Texas LEARNS has awarded Platinum Level Recognition to College of the Mainland’s Adult Education Program for its high level of compliance with programmatic and financial reporting requirements. At the State Adult Education Administrators' Summer Institute in Galveston, Joanie Rethlake, state director, presented, the award to recognize the program’s performance for the 2010-11 program year.

"Winning this award is just recognition of the hard work of our students and our talented and dedicated faculty,” said Joshua Hayes, director of the Adult Education Program. “It’s a true testament to Galveston County’s culture of hard work and perseverance.”

Programs are eligible for the award if they have received Gold Level Recognition for academic performance and meet additional reporting requirements. COM received Gold Level Recognition in February.

The Adult Education Program provides educational services to approximately 2,000 individuals each year at 24 locations across Galveston County and the Bay Area. Classes include ESL instruction and GED preparation and are tuition free to Texas adults and out-of-school youths.

“It’s an essential service,” said Hayes. We’re helping people move toward their educational goals.”

Texas LEARNS monitors and provides guidance to state-funded programs.  Its mission is to ensure that all adults who live in Texas have the skills necessary to function effectively in their personal and family lives, in the workplace and in the community.