SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – This is a tale that has been repeated numerous times this year: reports of federal budget reductions, followed by a change of heart.
A recent funding turnaround on Fridayfor the ten South Dakota locations of adult education centers, directors are currently feeling a sense of relief.
“You need a skilled workforce, you must have an educated one,” said Kim Olson.
Olson serves as the executive director at Cornerstones Career Learning Center.
“Offices located in Aberdeen, Huron, Mitchell, Yankton, and Vermillion, and we cover a region of approximately 30,000 square miles of the state up to the Pierre area,” Olson explained.
Securing positions in South Dakota is crucial. Cornerstones helps students become eligible.
“Enhance the quality of the workforce. The GED program focused on English language learning, alongside citizenship and fundamental skills development through our adult education initiative, plays a significant role in this,” Olson stated.
Every dedicated worker contributes to a stronger society.
“Due to their advanced abilities, they receive a higher salary. The impact of this is significant and often overlooked,” Olson said.
Olson’s initial conversation with Dakota News Now focused on federal funding expiring in September.
A few hours later, an unexpected change occurred, with the federal funds being released by next June.
At least for this year’s funding. But it doesn’t disappear because it’s zero-funded for next year as well,” Olson said. “I don’t like it at all. It will remain this way for the next year. Fifty percent of our funding for all adult education comes from the federal government, and then the state legislature approves the remaining half. The state-level Department of Labor is also facing the same situation, trying to determine what they will do.
The issue of funding will not be addressed until the 2026/27 academic year.
“So that will be our next conflict, while also collaborating with our legislature to strengthen our financial support at the state level, so we might no longer experience funding fluctuations,” Olson stated.
