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Changing Lives through Adult Education and Literacy


Sometimes known as GED or adult basic ed, the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program at Grayson College opens doors for people every day.

AEL provides instruction in English language, math, reading, writing and workforce training to help adults acquire the skills needed to succeed in the workforce, earn a high school equivalency, and enter and succeed in college or workforce training. 

Program participants come from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, cultures and challenges. 

Gabe Prince’s challenge had been a learning disability that caused issues with problem-solving and retention. School was never easy for him, and when he was 16 years old, he dropped out of high school.

“I knew I needed to do something to get an education, but school wasn’t working for me” he said, “so when my mom told me about the AEL program at Grayson, I enrolled.”

Not only did Gabe enroll, he finished it within a year. He credits his success to the flexibility of the program and the dedication of his teachers who helped him overcome his learning challenges. 

The program, under the leadership of new director, Ashley Trevino, has been growing steadily. “Our team has been working so hard. Our intake specialist is taking in six to eight people every day, and in one instance, we had 26 students show up for one night class.”

The Adult Education and Literacy team earned a 2 percent funding incentive by surpassing their target of 197 students earning 12 hours by Sept. 30. In fact, 299 students earned 12 hours within that timeframe.

With a team of over 20 instructors offering classes not only at Grayson’s facilities in Denison and Van Alstyne but also at off-site locations in Bonham, Gainesville and others, the program is expected to help over 1,200 students in the next two years.

AEL is designed to make the most basic learning available to anyone who needs it. The courses are offered at a variety of times and locations to accommodate busy schedules, and they are available for free thanks to grant funding. Best of all, the courses often give people the confidence they need to continue learning.

As for Gabe, he has continued his learning at Grayson and enrolled in the culinary program at the college.

“I am looking forward to completing college, starting a career as a chef, and maybe opening my own restaurant. All of it is possible thanks to the AEL program at Grayson. I’m finally excited about my future!”

For more information about the Adult Education and Literacy Program at Grayson College, contact them at AEL@grayson.edu or (903) 463-8784.