SHAFTER, CA -- A new learning experience awaits residents of Shafter. City and county dignitaries on Wednesday officially dedicated the new Shafter Learning Center -- at the city's branch of the Kern County Library.
It's the newest phase of an education partnership -- between the city, the Richland School District, and Shafter High School. The goal is to expand educational opportunities for adults as well as children.
"I would like to use some of their services, but I'm not really sure what's available out there for adults. I've just looked into the elementary, so I probably need to do some research," said Sonia Saldaña, a Shafter resident who attended the grand opening with her son. "I think it's great. I can't wait until my son starts taking classes, and we'll see what he learns. I'm anxious to see what other classes they have available," Saldaña said.
"For our summer programs, we have 23 classes, 45 different sessions, and we have about 200 students so far," said
Shafter City Manager Scott Hurlbert. "Thirteen of the classes are full, and so we have some waiting lists there already. So we feel like it's very successful," Hurlbert added. "It gives students who are interested a place to go during the summer break, so they don't lose what they've learned during the year. Students that are more advanced and want to take something above their grade level, they can come in and be challenged. And those that want to stay caught up, if they want to catch up or they're behind in a particular subject, they can come in. There may be some tutoring available. The space was designed to be very flexible, so we can adapt to the needs as time goes on," Hurlbert said.
The new learning center features classrooms and a computer lab, and offers courses in science, history and literature, among various other subjects. The Shafter Branch of the Kern County Library is at 236 James Street.
It's the newest phase of an education partnership -- between the city, the Richland School District, and Shafter High School. The goal is to expand educational opportunities for adults as well as children.
"I would like to use some of their services, but I'm not really sure what's available out there for adults. I've just looked into the elementary, so I probably need to do some research," said Sonia Saldaña, a Shafter resident who attended the grand opening with her son. "I think it's great. I can't wait until my son starts taking classes, and we'll see what he learns. I'm anxious to see what other classes they have available," Saldaña said.
"For our summer programs, we have 23 classes, 45 different sessions, and we have about 200 students so far," said
Shafter City Manager Scott Hurlbert. "Thirteen of the classes are full, and so we have some waiting lists there already. So we feel like it's very successful," Hurlbert added. "It gives students who are interested a place to go during the summer break, so they don't lose what they've learned during the year. Students that are more advanced and want to take something above their grade level, they can come in and be challenged. And those that want to stay caught up, if they want to catch up or they're behind in a particular subject, they can come in. There may be some tutoring available. The space was designed to be very flexible, so we can adapt to the needs as time goes on," Hurlbert said.
The new learning center features classrooms and a computer lab, and offers courses in science, history and literature, among various other subjects. The Shafter Branch of the Kern County Library is at 236 James Street.