Northwest Michigan Council of Governments

Adult Education Learning Labs

Northwest Michigan WORKS! Learning Labs provide individualized instruction to adults who wish to finish their high school education through a GED or High School diploma, prepare for college, or improve their reading, writing, math, and keyboarding skills.

 

Key Learning Lab Features:

  • No Charge
  • Open Entry/Open Exit -- Participants may start at any time.
  • Self-Paced -- Each participant works at his or her own speed.
  • Individual instruction -- Each person's needs are assessed and evaluated through testing to determine skill level and to develop an individual educational plan.
  • GED preparation and high school completion -- either can be accomplished by attending the Lab.
  • College preparation
  • Windows and Microsoft Office software -- Participants will develop important keyboarding and technology skills by using computers equipped with the operating system and office software commonly used by area businesses.

Popular Skill Areas Offered in the Labs: 

  • English-as-a-Second Language
  • Reading (beginning, basic, and advanced)
  • Writing
  • Grammar, spelling, vocabulary
  • Basic math
  • Basic algebra and basic geometry
  • Basic keyboarding and computer skills
  • Word processing


Click the Lab Location link (in the left column) to find the lab nearest you including contact and staff information.

 

                   

Learning Lab Helps Man Build Skills

When Jeremy Ray came to the Northwest Michigan Works! Learning Lab in Traverse City, his math skills were so poor he couldn't even do subtraction. But with the help of the Learning Lab, Ray improved his math skills and was able to go to college. Watch the video to find out more about Ray's Learning Lab success.

              

Teacher Recognized for Learning Lab Management Plan

Jerry Hawes, a teacher at the Northwest Michigan Works! Adult Education Learning Lab in Kalkaska, was one of six adult education teachers to win Teacher Spotlight recognition from the Michigan Office of Adult Education. Hawes was recognized for his Learning Lab management. Watch the video to find out more.

 

Adult Education Graduation June 2012

Steven Sumrall dropped out of high school when he was 16, so he probably never expected to be the student speaker at a graduation ceremony. But he had a chance to do just that as a member of the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District Adult Education Class of 2012. Sumrall earned his GED through the Northwest Michigan Works! Traverse City Learning Lab 25 years after he should have graduated from high school.

"I never could find the time or the right reasons to go back and get my GED," said Sumrall. However, now as a parent I realize the importance of a good education not only for myself but more importantly for my children."

Sumrall was one of 84 adult students who received a GED or high school diploma.

Amanda Perry earned her diploma through the high school completion program at the TBA Career-Tech Center and is already enrolled at Baker College.

"I knew that I could do better than a GED, that I had it in me to [earn] the diploma" said Perry. "It took a while but here I am."

Katherine Ritchey earned her diploma through the high school completion program while she was dual enrolled at Northwestern Michigan College where she's working on a nursing degree.

"I can actually finally go ahead and say I got it and I don't have to say I got a GED, I actually got my diploma," said Ritchey. "I'm just excited."

Sumrall, Perry and Ritchey each say they are grateful for the help they received from the Adult Education program.

"I so appreciate the whole, entire program, it's amazing," said Perry.

"It helped a lot going to both places," said Ritchey. "I got placements and figured out what I need to do at the Learning Lab, then I went to TBA at night."

"The Learning Lab helped me tremendously," said Sumrall. "They were awesome. I probably couldn't have done it without them."

 

 

Northwest Michigan Business Atlas Adult Education Learning Labs are listed as business resources
on the Northwest Michigan Business Atlas.