July 4, 2005 — FirstBank Virgin Islands has donated to the Day Adult Education Center to assist efforts to improve basic education and job skills for the Virgin Islanders.
This contribution will provide additional resources, equipment, and materials to help students acquire the necessary skills to complete the GED or obtain a high school diploma. The center strives to instill values, work ethic and focus to prepare its students for success in future endeavors. The program has 72 students enrolled during the day at its primary location on Garden Street and a total of 248 students enrolled at its three evening centers. The evening centers are located at CAHS, Addelita Cancryn School, and Julius E. Sprauve School. Such small student-teacher ratios provide a more direct and personal learning environment, which allows more for accelerated learning.
According to a press release from FirstBank, the evening centers provide convenience and flexibility around students’ individual work schedules.
The Day Adult Education Center serves persons sixteen years of age and older, who have not completed their formal schooling. The center’s mission is to teach students the necessary skills to progress and succeed in a highly competitive environment. Through courses such as; job preparation skills, preparation for the Pre-GED, GED Tests, and ESL (English as a Secondary Language) for non-English speakers, students are able to open new doors and explore several diversified job opportunities. The Center operates on the premise that opportunities abound for everyone and that no one is ever too old to learn.
The Day Adult Education Center was established in June 1977 through the concerted efforts of the V.I. Department of Education, Department of Labor, and the Work Incentive Program. “We are at an expanding stage right now and with the help of contributions like this from FirstBank can offer increased educational opportunities to those who need," said Principal Dahlia Adams.
“Economic development is an important piece of FirstBank’s Community Reinvestment program. We are greatly pleased when our efforts not only impact the community at large but also improve individual lives," said Karen Sprauve, FirstBank Community Reinvestment Officer.
