Rochester has a bustling workforce; a hub for medicine and engineering that is dependent on its skilled staff. While some people start their careers in a traditional path, graduating high school and going to college, this path does not always work for everyone. For Rochester’s residents who want to contribute to the workforce but may have moved from one country to another, or haven’t graduated high school, or those with different learning styles, a different plan is needed. Rochester Public Schools offers several programming options to help through adult education at Hawthorne.
Hawthorne is a school dedicated to adult education as part of our community education programming. Hawthorne is dedicated to working with underskilled adults who need extra support, offering GED classes, English as a second language classes, and reading, writing and math classes to help students gain the skills necessary to be successful in college. They also provide computer skills courses, pronunciation and conversation class, and the necessary skills to complete the U.S. Citizenship test. Furthermore, Hawthorne receives grant money so that those who want to start career pathways in healthcare or office professionals can do so if they qualify for the program.
Students who enter through the doors at Hawthorne are assessed to find the best educational path for them. They take placement exams and talk with a specialist in a career counseling style meeting to establish their goals and figure out how RPS can support them on their journey.
Nadine Holthaus, the administrator at Hawthorne, has been there for over 30 years, spending 22 of those years in the teaching role. She remarks on how inspiring the environment is. People who come from all sorts of backgrounds and situations are able to work hard to achieve their educational and career goals, and that is inspiring.
Hawthorne staff is dedicated to giving their students an advantage and helping them pursue education in their own way. Rochester is a busy community with plenty of opportunities available, Hawthorne aims to give people with disadvantages to enjoy the same career and educational successes. To learn more about these career pathways and all that adult education provides, visit Hawthorne’s website.