Wharton County Junior College's Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program was recently recognized as part of the state and national Adult Education and Literacy Week. Pictured front row, left to right, are AEL Documentation Specialist Roweena Britton, Adult Education & Literacy Program Director Taraneh Zekavat and AEL Data Technician Chelsea Perez. Back row, left to right, are AEL Testing Specialist Gloria Diaz, AEL Admissions & Registration Specialist Rickki DeLeon, AEL Career Advisor Theodore Conway and AEL Data Technician Deseree Fojtik.
WHARTON, TEXAS – Wharton County Junior College’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program was recognized recently by the State of Texas for improving the educational opportunities of the surrounding community. During Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) Week – held Sept. 18 through Sept. 23 – programs across the state and nation were recognized for their efforts in battling ongoing problems of illiteracy.
“The AEL department at WCJC is excited about this recognition and would like to acknowledge the tremendous work of AEL educators and leaders across the state,” said Tara Zekavat, WCJC’s AEL Director.
The proclamation – signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott – notes that “reading and writing are essential in the workplace, the home, and public life; as such, illiteracy is a major impediment to personal productivity and fulfillment.” The proclamation adds that “adult education programs across our nation provide remedial assistance, ongoing instruction, and compassionate mentorship so that disadvantaged members of society can unlock the fullness of their God-given potential.”
Zekavat has worked for WCJC’s AEL program since 2009, beginning as an instructor and then taking over as director in 2016.
WCJC’s program offers in-person and remote High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) testing, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, TSIA prep courses and Career Pathways opportunities at low or no cost. The program serves six counties in the region – Austin, Colorado, Fort Bend, Matagorda, Waller and Wharton – and provides services to roughly 1,000 students every year.
Zekavat’s staff includes AEL Documentation Specialist Roweena Britton, AEL Data Technician Chelsea Perez, AEL Testing Specialist Gloria Diaz, AEL Admissions & Registration Specialist Rickki DeLeon,
AEL Career Advisor Theodore Conway and AEL Data Technician Deseree Fojtik.
Zekavat is a big believer in the role AEL serves in helping people to achieve their goals and further their educational and career opportunities.
“I believe AEL programs across the country change adults’ lives and give them the opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential,” she said. “Education is a lifelong journey with no age limits.”
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