Ventura-area adult schools collaborate to expand education and career pathways across the region
The adult schools that make up the Ventura County Adult Education Consortium (VCAEC) have spent more than a decade working together to bring accessible, high-impact education to communities across the county.
Conejo Adult School has announced that Jason Klinger has been named its new principal. Klinger emphasized the consortium’s student-first mission and the power of collaboration to widen opportunity.
“What inspires me most is the resilience of our students. They show up after long workdays, juggling family responsibilities, and still commit to their goals. Supporting that determination is an honor.”
Formed in 2014 after the passage of Assembly Bill 104—which established the California Adult Education Program and funded regional consortia—VCAEC unites adult schools and K–12 districts in coordinated partnerships. In Ventura County, that collaboration initially brought together Simi Institute for Careers & Education, Conejo Adult School, Oxnard Adult School, and Ventura Adult & Continuing Education, and helped establish or reestablish programs in Ojai, Santa Paula, and Moorpark.
Meeting learners where they are
Member schools provide adults with opportunities countywide, from urban and affluent neighborhoods to rural and lower-income areas. A major benefit of the consortium model has been the ability to open and sustain programs in communities with the greatest need—particularly in places that previously lacked English as a Second Language (ESL) options.
ESL remains a cornerstone of VCAEC’s work. Across member schools, students studying English often comprise more than half of total enrollment, especially in agricultural communities such as Oxnard, Santa Paula, and Fillmore. Many ESL learners also pursue U.S. citizenship preparation and high school completion while balancing full-time jobs.
Career training that connects to local industry
Career Technical Education (CTE) is another pillar of the consortium’s offerings. Programs span healthcare, construction, media, and more. Community partners frequently highlight the direct impact these courses have on employers and on learners’ ability to become self-sustaining.
“What I’ve heard pretty consistently from everybody is just how valuable the work has been for the community and those employers,” said Greg Hill Jr., the consortium’s lead facilitator. “Let alone the community impact it has and the impact it has on the individuals themselves in terms of their ability to become self-sustaining.”
VCAEC schools have also developed specialized pathways that meet unique local needs—for example, culinary training inside county jails—alongside long-standing strengths in medical and professional training, including phlebotomy, EMT, mental health, and other workforce preparation programs.
A clear, consistent vision
From the outset, the consortium’s vision has centered on student success. That focus—reflected in shared bylaws and goals—has helped member schools stay aligned and responsive as they expand services and adapt to changing community needs.
To learn more about the Ventura County Adult Education Consortium, visit vcaec.org.
This article was originally written and published by Jacob Peterson/N&R Publications. Shared here with permission.
