CALL FOR PROPOSALS………………………………….…Deadline EXTENDED to Submit: April 7th, 2023 

Overview 

Kennebec Neighbors Adult Education is seeking course proposals  for our  Community Enrichment Program. We offer adult learners opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge in a supportive and engaging environment. Community Enrichment is designed to provide courses that are relevant to the needs and interests of the local community, with the aim of enhancing the lives of individuals and contributing to the well-being of the wider community.

We want Proposals from individuals, organizations, and community groups that are relevant and engaging to adult learners. Proposals can cover a wide range of topics, including arts and crafts, health and wellness, technology, professional development, and personal growth. We strongly encourage proposals that are interactive, experiential, promote active learning, and engage participants.

Classes can be held in a variety of settings, including at the instructor’s business, in our local schools, and other public spaces. We  provide support and resources for instructors, including assistance with marketing and promotion, training and development opportunities (new this year) and access to office materials and resources.

Kennebec Neighbors Adult Education is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment welcoming learners from all backgrounds and abilities. Classes are designed to be accessible and flexible, with a variety of formats and schedules to accommodate adult learners.

This is  your opportunity to share expertise and knowledge with adult learners. You can contribute to the well-being of the community and to help individuals achieve their personal and professional goals through lifelong learning.

Background 

For over four decades, Kennebec Neighbors Adult Education has been a cornerstone of the local community, providing a wide range of courses and programs to support adult learners in achieving their personal and professional goals. The center has a strong reputation for excellence, with a track record of successful graduates and satisfied participants across all of its courses.

The center was established in response to a growing demand for adult education in the community. Recognizing the importance of lifelong learning, a group of local educators and community leaders came together to create a center that would provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality education for adults. Over the years, the center has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community, expanding its course offerings and adapting to new technologies and teaching methods.

The center’s courses cover a wide range of topics, from basic literacy and numeracy to advanced vocational training and personal development. Whether learners are looking to improve their job prospects, learn new skills, or pursue a personal passion, the center has something for everyone. The center has a team of experienced and dedicated instructors who are committed to supporting learners in achieving their goals.

Graduates of our program have gone on to successful careers in a range of industries, from healthcare, education, construction and technology. Many have pursued further education, with going on to earn advanced degrees in their chosen fields. Participants in our courses have helped increase confidence, improve job prospects, and support personal fulfillment through their learning experiences.

Over the years, we have built strong partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions, enhancing our  ability to serve the community. We have embraced new technologies and teaching methods and offered online and hybrid courses to meet the needs of learners in a rapidly changing world.

Overall, we have sought to be a vital resource for the community for over 40 years, empowering learners of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their full potential through lifelong learning.

Collaboration in Community Enrichment Program

If you are interested in building a stackable enrichment program or collaborating with another instructor or community organization, the adult education program’s enrichment program is here to help. By working together, we can create a diverse and engaging program that meets the needs and interests of adult learners in the community.

This year’s focus is Maine: Past, Present, and Future. However, we are not limiting courses to those topics. We believe that exploring Maine’s rich history, culture, and natural resources is a great way to promote lifelong learning and community engagement. By building a stackable enrichment program, we can create a series of courses and workshops that build upon each other, providing learners with a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.

If you have an idea for a course or workshop that aligns with our focus of Maine: Past, Present and Future or our purpose, we encourage you to reach out to us. We are also open to collaborating with other instructors or community organizations to create a more comprehensive program.

To learn more about building a stackable enrichment program or collaborating with us, please contact us for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!

Current Categories

For Local Businesses and Organizations 

We are committed to supporting local businesses that offer educational opportunities. That’s why we’re working on highlighting these businesses and building a network of #brickandmortaraesupporters in the community.

If you’re a local business that offers educational opportunities and you’re interested in being a part of this network, we invite you to contact our office to learn more about how you can get involved.

Partnering with local businesses is a great way for our adult education program to expand its offerings and connect with the community. By collaborating with businesses, we can offer a wider range of courses and workshops, provide learners with real-world experiences, learn more about our community and be best positioned to promote lifelong learning and skill-building.

The partnerships can be a great way to promote your brand, reach new customers, and contribute to the community. Offering educational opportunities can demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and skill-building, build brand loyalty, and enhance reputation.

Overall, local businesses partnerships are win-win for our program and the community as a whole. If you’re interested in being a #brickandmortaraesupporter or learning more about how we can partner with local businesses, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to working with you!

Programming Format 

We recognize that instructors may have different preferences when it comes to the format of their courses. That’s why we offer a range of programming options, including virtual, in-person, and hybrid formats.

Virtual programming allows instructors to teach from the comfort of their own home or office, using online platforms to connect with learners. In-person programming provides a more traditional classroom experience, with learners and instructors gathering together in a physical location. Hybrid programming combines elements of both, offering the flexibility of virtual learning with the engagement of in-person interaction.

As an instructor, we want you to have the flexibility to choose the format that works best for you and your course content. We’re committed to providing the resources and support you need to create high-quality, engaging educational experiences that meet the needs of adult learners in the community.

Whether you prefer the convenience of virtual learning, the social interaction of in-person classes, or a combination of both, we’re here to work with you and help you achieve your goals. Contact us to learn more about our programming options and how we can support your teaching.

Programming Locations 

Gardiner Area High School | 40 West Hill Road, Gardiner, ME 04345

• Very Limited Availability: Gym, Theater

• Limited Availability: Little Gym, Cafeteria

• Veteran Instructors First: Room 406 (Kitchen)

• All other classrooms available; some with desks, tables, whiteboards etc. Be specific with your location needs. We may not be able to accommodate all requests but will do our best to.

Programming Dates 

Our enrichment courses for Fall 2023 runs from August 31st through December 31st, 2023. Please note that we operate within the school district’s schedule, which may affect when we can offer courses. We typically align our schedule with the district’s academic calendar, which means that courses may not be offered during school breaks or holidays.

We understand that this scheduling arrangement may not work for everyone, but we strive to provide a variety of course offerings throughout the year to accommodate different schedules and interests. We encourage you to check our course catalog regularly for updates on upcoming courses and programs.

If you have any questions about our scheduling or course offerings, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help and provide guidance on finding the right educational opportunities for you.