On the second Thursday of November each year, states across the nation take the day to mark the impact of Community Education in their communities. This year, that day falls on November 9.
Several fundamental components define what Community Education is all about:
Strengthening the fabric of our community and individual wellbeing through shared lifelong learning experiences
Involving the community in our schools and our schools in the community
Making public facilities accessible beyond the hours school is in session
Our goal is to increase opportunities for community learning, development, and connection across all age groups, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for everyone.
RPS Community Education proudly serves our community members in many ways:
21st Century Community Learning Centers - opportunities for students to build new skills during out-of-school-time hours at district and community locations
Adult Literacy - GED and college preparation, English learning for adults, citizenship test preparation, basic and computer skills, navigational supports
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) also known as “Parents Are Important in Rochester” (PAIiR) - parent education and young child education
Early Childhood Developmental Screening - we screen at 3 years of age and refer for any health or developmental questions or concerns
Enrichment Opportunities for early childhood, youth, adults, and adults with exceptional abilities - building new skills and connecting with others
Facility Reservations - coordinating use of school district facilities by the community
RPS Preschool - traditional half-day and full-day opportunities in multiple locations
School Age Child Care/Preschool Age Child Care - before/after-school care at preschool and elementary locations
STEM Fair - mentoring and preparation of a project in science, technology, engineering, and/or math by students in Grades 6-12 for display and judging at the annual Fair
Youth Community Service - students in Grades 4-12 join summer teams to learn about area non-profit organizations and offer community service
Our diverse portfolio of programs caters to individuals at all stages of life, whether they are our youngest learners, building their early skills, or young parents seeking parenting tips; newcomers to our community learning English, embarking on a new academic or career path, or retired community members looking to stay active and connected. At Rochester Community Education, Everyone Connects!
The important work of CE programs of today was shaped by our predecessors. A pioneer in Community Education is philosopher/psychologist John Dewey, who wrote about the connected relationships between a community, its schools, and society. Dewey believed that all members of a community have a responsibility to continue improving themselves; enhancing society and the quality of life for everyone. The modern idea of “Community Education” originated in Flint, Michigan, in the 1950s. College professor Frank Manley, and then Mayor Charles Stewart Mott collaborated to develop after-school programs to utilize the available school space after 4 p.m. and throughout the summer. Their vision was to enhance the neighborhoods of Flint by making schools a focal point for health, recreation, and adult education.
Michigan may have been the first, but Minnesota, in 1971, was the fourth state to pass legislation with sixteen school districts approving community school programs. Today, all school districts in Minnesota are served by a Community Education program, and the opportunities available have improved vastly based on the needs and wants of their communities.
To learn more about what RPS does for CE, visit our website at: Rochesterce.org
