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Illinois budget crisis puts off-campus classes on hold in Galesburg

The days are numbered for an off-campus adult education program in Galesburg. “They say we will stop the program here,” said Juling Zefo, 22. Carl S...

The days are numbered for an off-campus adult education program in Galesburg.

"They say we will stop the program here," said Juling Zefo, 22.

Carl Sandburg College is postponing off-campus classes that promote literacy, language skills and earning high school equivalency on January 1, 2016.

It means uncertainty for Zefo and some 90 of the region's most vulnerable students.

Moving from Taiwan to Illinois, she wants to improve her English and continue her education.

"They will teach me a lot, not just in books," she said.

Those plans are now on hold.

"What's next?" she asked.  "Where am I supposed to go?"

The state budget stalemate leaves her caught in the middle.

Carl Sandburg College partners with state and federal sources to offer the classes at a Galesburg mall.

But without a state budget, it cuts off state and federal funding to pay for the program.

"These are some of the people who most need services," said Dr. Lori Sundberg, president of Carl Sandburg College. "These are people who don't have a high school diploma.  They're not able to read.  English is not their first language."

The state budget impasse becomes another burden for students already working to overcome obstacles.

"I really have no idea what I'm going to do," said Zach Singleton, 18.

Singleton is working to complete his high school equivalency.

But without funding, a half-dozen teachers will be laid off at the end of the year.

"The college has been funding its part of it and floating the other two pieces," Dr. Sundberg said.  "But we can't do it indefinitely."

The college hopes to resume programs in fall 2016, but that depends on funding.

"I see friends that I have here actually losing their jobs because of the budget problems," Singleton said.  "It's kind of hitting home for me."

For these students, adult education is crucial for adjusting to life in a new country, building language skills and finding jobs.

"It gives people an alternative to get their education," he concluded.  "Education is very, very important."

Important for a budget crisis that's hurting these students.

 

 

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