What if you could just go to the local mall and shop…for your future?
Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) decided to help people do just that when they repurposed 48,000 square feet of a local mall into an adult education center. The layout encourages adults – many of whom come to get their General Education Development (GED) certification or attend English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes – to continue their education with career-oriented courses and certifications.
The new adult education center is not just selling education, but also job opportunities. HCPS designed the space with career-themed storefronts and inviting classrooms with a community college feel. You can wander around and see students learn nursing, automotive, and financial literacy skills. Local businesses have sponsored some storefronts, which means you’ll also see career opportunities from a local roofer, sheriff’s department, and HVAC company.
Education is Always in Style
Mac Beaton, the CTE Director for Henrico Workforce and Career Development, said this approach bypasses some of the challenges of adult education. He noted that many adult programs take place in K-12 school classrooms, which can feel regressive and even demoralizing for adults. From the discomfort of the small desks to the assignments decorating the walls, it’s no surprise that adults feel out of place.
Beaton wanted a place where adult learners feel comfortable, welcomed, and even excited to learn. “How do you engage the community in the success of a student?” he asks. The repurposed mall campus is a great place to do that. The mall still has shopping and dining, so students can grab a bite to eat on their way to class. The education center has big, open common areas to encourage socialization and community. The adult students at Regency Campus feel like they belong. This space was made for them and encourages them to shop around for their future career.
In addition, Beaton points out that historically, earning a GED or ELA was the end of the road. “It should never be the end of the road,” he says. “It should be the start of the next chapter. So, we wanted to create an environment where that next chapter was always put out in front of you.”
The education center’s open-storefront concept enables adult students to easily explore various career pathways and sign up for the classes they need to springboard into a new job. In fact, since the mall is open to the general public, anyone hunting for bargains can wander through and get a sense of what opportunities are available. Even off-hours, the storefronts still have media playing, scannable QR codes, and other information about education and careers.
The space has also become incredibly popular for local community events, job fairs, and staff training. Even though the Regency Campus opened just a year ago, the proof of concept has really taken off.
Adding NOCTI Certifications to the Shopping Cart
The Adult Education Center aims to teach in a way that gets all students – regardless of age – excited about learning. “At the end of the day, whether you go to college or go to the world of work right after high school, the ultimate goal is to be life ready,” says Beaton. Being excited about education, feeling supported by the community, and feeling qualified for job openings all set these students up for success.
A key component of that qualification is credentials from NOCTI. The HCPS classes help reinforce the importance of certification, which is both a resume booster and proof of comprehensive knowledge. These certifications assess real-world knowledge, which goes beyond textbook learning, demonstrating the value of education outside the classroom by qualifying students for jobs and verifying their potential as strong job candidates.
Partner With NOCTI for Career-Focused Credentials
NOCTI credentials boost the credibility and real-world knowledge of various CTE programs. We specialize in developing assessments that evaluate the skills students need to be successful in their careers, extending beyond classroom learning.
If you’d like to learn more about credentials that elevate your program, or if you need customized credentials for your specific classes, let us know by sending us a message. We’re happy to help you springboard your skilled students into high-demand careers.