College an Educational Experience
 |  |
|
Partnering with a local community
college, Mosaic in Garden City (Kansas) is helping people experience
a little piece of college through the College for Life.
"I wanted the people we serve to have
the college experience -- going and registering for a class, getting
a college ID, paying for the class like other students," said
Debbie Reynolds, Mosaic in Garden City Executive Director.
The program began in 2010 and has been
successful with 25 students enrolled, she said. The students take
courses that consist of one or two classes and offer lessons in
practical skills such as how to grill meats or hold garage sales, as
well as more hobby-oriented classes such as painting or making
Valentine's Day cards.
Classes are held at Garden City
Community College. Each person who registers receives a college ID at
the beginning of the session. The students also pay a nominal fee,
usually $5 or $10, for each course. Reynolds said that receiving an
ID card is something people love and that paying for the class is
important to make the experience real. If a person is not able to
pay, however, Mosaic will assist with funds that have been raised
through employee gifts.
"There are just so many neat things
about it," Reynolds said. She particularly noted that people get
involved with the natural support systems already present in the
community around them. While Mosaic staff members help with
transportation to the classes, they often do not stay during the
class. That added feeling of independence is something that people
appreciate, Reynolds said.
Mosaic employees are also able to
enroll in the classes.
