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Hoosiers find education when and where they want it
 By Jennifer Doup
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After years as a homemaker and stay-at-home mom, Cindy Cushman took a computer class at a community learning center to prepare to enter the workforce. (photo by Tom Campbell) |
School is in session, but it's not taking place in a typical classroom. Instead, students are learning at home, at work and in their communities. And the students--well, they aren't typical either. They range from homemaker to farmer, factory worker to public servant.
Just a vision a decade ago, distance education is now a reality. Convenience and flexibility make it attractive. Its ability to reach people from all walks of life helps distinguish it from traditional education. In other words, custom made for custom needs. Whether it's an entire degree program or a single session, distance education is accessible to almost anyone who wants to learn. In turn, students are taking valuable information back to their businesses, homes and communities and making a difference around the state.
Blue-collar workers make up much of the workforce in Frankfort, Ind. Factories that populate an industrial park, spread along the highway west of town, are among the city's largest employers. Many of their workers don't have the time or money to go back to school to learn new job skills that might lead to a promotion or a career change.
Purdue Extension and Workforce Development recognized this need and developed the Learning Network of Clinton County. The student-driven program offers classes at the Frankfort Learning Center. But classes also meet in other makeshift classrooms--company lunchrooms, the police station and the courthouse.
"With the learning network, we have the ability to raise the educational attainment level in the community," says Susan Tharp, Extension educator in Clinton County.
Cindy Cushman, Rossville, Ind., didn't know how to turn on a computer when she signed up for a computer class. After separating from her husband, the stay-at-home mom needed computer knowledge to enter the job market and support herself.
"I wanted the small classroom setting at the learning center because I was intimidated by Purdue's size," says Cushman. "I needed the individual attention and ability to work at my own pace."
Cushman is one of 550 people who have received computer training at the center.
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