Missouri Association for Workforce Development News

AEFL: ECC's Basic Construction Program

Erica Davis — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:26:14 GMT

From East Central College:

In 2025, East Central College’s Adult Education program launched a new program to prepare adults for entry-level construction careers through hands-on training, earning participants nationally recognized certification. Students do not have to have a high school equivalency to take the course, but most already have their high school diploma.

Thanks to a partnership with the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), ECC is offering NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills. The course was created with a Lowe’s Foundation grant that provided $20,000 in startup resources for each of 25 programs nationwide.

ECC’s program focuses on construction and carpentry fundamentals, including safety, hand and power tools, construction math, blueprint reading, materials handling, and employability skills. Students earn OSHA-10 and CPR/First Aid certification and also complete a capstone carpentry project.

“For some entry-level workers, traveling to St. Louis for training and job opportunities just isn’t feasible,” she explained. “We wanted to bring the training to our communities, where people live and work.” This fast-track training initiative supports workforce development efforts by offering practical education and direct pathways into high-demand, sustainable careers in the skilled trades. Students may also co-enroll in the high school equivalency classes already offered by the program.

AEFL Student Success: Lisa Burton

Erica Davis — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:56:26 GMT

Lisa's Story:

"The Adult Education program has helped me build my confidence, improve my self esteem, and made me feel better about myself. I have a better outlook about my life and I have more opportunities for my future. Here is my story: I have four kids who have all graduated from high school which has made me the happiest mom ever. Every time one of them graduated there was a little part of me that kept asking myself, “Why can’t I do that?” I enrolled in other programs two times in the past, but I didn’t get the help that I needed to get it done. Last year, I decided to contact the Independence School District to find out about the Adult Education Program. I started attending classes in August 2024 with a goal of graduating by 2026. During the first class, everyone worked on the same subject and we went through the lesson together as a class. There was both a teacher and a tutor there during the lessons so I had the help that I needed, and I never felt like I was being judged by anyone. When I fi rst started taking classes I didn’t think that I would schedule any tests before October of 2025 but by May of 2025 I had already passed four out of the five subjects. Being a part of the Independence Adult Education Program was the best decision for me. It provided me with the help and the teaching that I needed and has given me confidence and a better outlook on life. The best part about finishing this program is that I proved to myself that I could do it. I am so excited for my kids to see me walk across the stage during graduation in May of 2026."

AEFL Success Story: John Mills, II

Erica Davis — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:29:05 GMT

John's Story:

"My name is John Mills II, and in February 2026, I made the decision to go back to school and earn my HiSET through the NCSD Adult Education & Literacy Program.

For years, earning my high school equivalency was something I wanted to accomplish, but I didn’t have the confidence to take that first step. I kept telling myself that maybe I would do it someday, but life always seemed to come first.

My struggles with school began when I was 13 years old, after I suddenly lost my dad. Losing him changed my life in ways that were difficult for me to understand and handle at that age. School became less important as I tried to cope with everything happening in my life. During my freshman year, at the age of 14, I eventually dropped out.

A few years later, I became a father. From that point forward, my focus was on working and providing for my family. Over the years, I became a husband and continued working hard to make sure my family had what they needed. Being a husband and a father gave me a great deal of responsibility, but it always gave me a reason to want more, not only for my family, but for myself.

I wanted to change the direction of my life, but I wasn’t sure if I could go back and finish something I had left behind so many years earlier.

In February, with the encouragement of my wife and friends, I finally decided to take a chance on myself.

I enrolled in the NCSD Adult Education & Literacy Program, and just three and a half months later, on May 27, 2026, I earned my HiSET.

That accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of my instructors, my family, and the resources available through the program. Funding from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation was especially meaningful to me. Through the Dollar General Literacy Grant awarded to NCSD AEL, the cost of my HiSET testing was covered. That support removed a financial barrier and allowed me to focus on what mattered most: learning, studying, and completing my goal.

Earning my HiSET gave me more than a certificate. It gave me confidence.

For years, I allowed my past and my lack of confidence to convince me that certain opportunities were no longer available to me. Earning my HiSET proved that I was capable of more than I had believed.

It also opened a door to my next goal.

After earning my HiSET, I applied to Mineral Area College and began pursuing my interest in law enforcement. I am currently attending the Mineral Area College Law Enforcement Academy and working toward earning my Missouri POST certification in December 2026.

When I look back at where I was at 13-14 years old and where I am today, I realize just how much can change when you are willing to take the first step.

I went from dropping out of high school as a freshman to pursuing a career and continuing my education, something I used to believe would never happen for me.

I did this because I wanted to better myself, but I also did it for my family. I want my children to see that no matter where life takes you, how many obstacles you face, or how far behind you may feel, you can always make the decision to move forward.

If there is one thing I hope someone takes away from my story, it is this: it is never too late to believe in yourself and change the direction of your life.

My HiSET opened the door to opportunities I once thought were out of reach. It has given me the opportunity to continue my education, pursue a meaningful career, and build a better future for myself and my family.

I am proud of how far I have come, but I am even more excited about where I am going."

St. Charles County Notice of Request for Proposals - One Stop Operator

Erica Davis — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:59:34 GMT

St. Charles County Government, the designated Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grant recipient, along with the St. Charles County Workforce Development Board announces a Notice of Request for Proposals, RFP 24-132 for One -Stop Operator which is available for review and comment.

The Notice of Request for Proposals, RFP 24-132, may be obtained on the Internet at http://www.sccmo.org/Bids.aspx. One (1) signed original and one (1) signed copy of the proposal must be received in a sealed envelope plainly marked “RFP 24-132 One-Stop Operator” in the lower left corner of the envelope. Proposals must be submitted prior to 2:00 pm on 9/23/2024 to the St. Charles County Finance Department, 201 North Second Street, Room 541, St. Charles, Missouri 63301. St. Charles County and the St. Charles County Workforce Development Board has the right to accept and/or reject any and all proposals.

Please forward any comments directly to Ben Abbott, Chair of the Workforce Development Board or Lori Myers, Director of St. Charles County Department of Workforce & Business Development, 3757 Harry S. Truman Blvd., St. Charles, MO 63301. Comments are also welcome at the Missouri Office of Workforce Development, 301 W. High Street, Suite 860, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

U.S. Senate Committee on Health Education Labor & Pensions (HELP)

Erica Davis — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 20:00:54 GMT

The U.S. Senate Committee on Health Education Labor & Pensions (HELP) will hold a full committee hearing on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act: Supporting Efforts to Meet the Needs of Youth, Workers, and Employers to discuss reauthorization of the bill.

Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. ET

Witnesses for the hearing include:

Taylor White, M.Ed, Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship
David Bradley, PhD, Jobs for the Future
Monty Sullivan, PhD, Louisiana Community and Technical College System
Lisa Bly-Jones, PhD, Chicago Jobs Council
Matthew Dickerson, Mid South Extrusion

View the Livestream

Resource Available: Stronger Workforce Act

Erica Davis — Tue, 07 May 2024 16:11:51 GMT

The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals recently shared a resource made available by the National Skills Coalition.

Now moving to the Senate, H.R. 6655 A Stronger Workforce Act has passed the House. The National Skills Coalition created a side-by-side comparison between ASWA and WIOA.

Check it out here.

NAWDP further encourages you to, "contact your Senator to advocate for the changes needed in a WIOA reauthorization as they build on the proposed language."

AEL Week - September 18-22, 2023

Erica Davis — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:56:59 GMT

News from Missouri AEL

The week of September 18, 2023 is National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. A signed proclamation from the governor of Missouri is attached. Check the DESE website for social media posts. AEL programs are responsible for 1,244 high school equivalencies this year and 7,100 measurable skills gains (MSGs).

The US Education Department has added new assessments for AEL programs to use beginning July 1, 2024. Current tests include the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) forms 11/12 and TABE Comprehensive Language Assessment System for English (CLAS-E). New assessments approved by the National Reporting System include BEST, CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems), and ACT WorkKeys. DESE will make its new assessment policy available once it is approved by the National Reporting System.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) now offers two options to qualifying individuals to measure High School Equivalency skills. DESE previously offered the HiSET® test, which will continue to be available. Now, Missouri citizens may choose to use the GED® test instead. Both exams produce an accredited Missouri High School Equivalency Certificate for those who pass. The price for the computer-based GED® test ranges from $142 to $181.96. The price for the computer-based HiSET® test ranges from $98.75 to $151.25; the HiSET® cost will increase in January 2024, to $120 to $172.50. Citizens can find test requirements and a description of the differences between the two exams at hse.mo.gov.

Provided by Adult Education and Literacy Ex-Officio Member - Alice Whalen

2023 MAWD Conference

Alice Whalen — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 21:03:20 GMT

Here is a link to the MAWD 2023 Conference Flyer. Please feel free to share!

Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

Alice Whalen — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 18:39:35 GMT

Governor Mike Parson signed a proclamation declaring September 18-24 to be National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in Missouri.

Motivational Interviewing Webinar October 27, 2022

Alice Whalen — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 13:40:39 GMT

MAWD Keynote Speaker, Curtis Campogni, is offering a FREE Motivational Interviewing webinar on October 27, from 12:00-12:30 pm

Making a World of Difference for the Ray Family

Alice Whalen — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:30:52 GMT

In January 2022, Jack and Shama Ray walked into the Park Hills Job Center asking about funding resources that could help them cover their tuition for the police academy. They had two children and were currently receiving SNAP benefits. Jack and Shama were both eligible for WIOA and SkillUp funds.

Jack was enrolled in the police academy at Jefferson College. He had already completed a semester and paid for it himself. Shama enrolled in the Mineral Area Police Academy. Both received Pell Grants to help them as well. SkillUp was able to help them with reimbursement for travel expenses which covered the cost for gas. Both Jack and Shama had great attendance and received high marks for the training.

On June 23rd, Jack graduated second in his class. He received awards for the most community service hours and the most ride-along hours. On July 1, he began his career with the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department.

Shama began her last semester of training in August, and she is on track to graduate in December.

Any day of the year, this is a great success story for our WIOA partners, but that is only part of their story.

On Wednesday, June 8th, an unexpected tragedy occurred. The Ray’s son died in a terrible accident. I received word about it on Friday, June 10. I knew that they would be struggling for the means to pay funeral expenses, never mind enduring the mental stress and unbearable emotions in the coming days, months, and even years. It was less than two weeks before Jack’s graduation.

On Friday evening, I remembered a session that I had attended at the 2022 MAWD Conference in April. Wellness for Warriors was presented by Kerry Miller. I quickly did a search for his website and found a phone number. I contacted his offices, and the person I spoke with took the information about my client’s needs. I was provided Kerry’s personal phone number, so I called him and left a message. Within 30 minutes he called me back.

Over the weekend, Kerry Miller and I were able to work with Jack and Shama to set up a GoFundMe account. Because the Rays are also volunteer firefighters, Kerry was able to reach out to other organizations for donations. In addition to the donations, he set them up with free mental health care. He has also made himself personally available whenever needed. The funeral for Jack and Shama’s son was June 17th.

Jack made it to graduation with the help of an agency that I had connected with through MAWD, Wellness for Warriors is not a required WIOA partner. They are a priceless resource that is willing to partner any time there is a need.

When I walked into the Wellness for Warriors session at the MAWD Conference, I was there because I had an empty slot of time in my schedule. I was interested in the information that was shared. I didn’t know it would make a world of difference for a couple of very special people in just a couple of months.

Billi “BJ” Litton
WIOA/SNAP Case Manager
Park Hills Job Center

MAWD Conference 2022 Request for Proposals

Alice Whalen — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 21:19:11 GMT

This year's MAWD conference is scheduled for April 27-29, 2022 at the Branson Convention Center in Branson. The theme, "Making a World of Difference," is much needed in this new age of serving the citizens of Missouri. The MAWD Board needs your assistance to secure quality training for all of our workforce development partners. If you or your agency has interest in delivering key information at the MAWD conference, please complete the Request for Presentation (RFP) packet. All RFP documentation must be submitted to Donna Brake at donna.brake@dhewd.mo.gov by February 15, 2022.

Download the RFP