OTAN invites nominations of California adult education learners who are successful as a result of the education received at adult education agencies for the California Adult Education Students Succeed program. The program honors outstanding students who are adults with significant life responsibilities, who have made positive contributions to the community, established and met life goals by attending an adult education program, improved the life situations of self and others, and overcome difficult circumstances in order to pursue adult learning experiences. The program recognizes the hard work that outstanding adult education students have completed in the pursuit of their personal, academic, and professional goals and aspirations.
You can read stories and watch videos from previous years by clicking on the Students tab. You can also explore stories from specific adult education agencies and programs by clicking on the Schools and Programs tabs. To learn how to nominate a student for the program and to submit an online nomination form, click on the Nomination tab.
Students Succeed Honoree: Diana Cortes
Diana Cortes started the Foundations in Early Education (FIEE) course in Spring of 2021 and completed the program in December of 2021. When Diana entered the FIEE, she was unemployed and raising her 5-year-old daughter as a single parent. She had graduated from high school and needed to build up her confidence and skills prior to attending a formal college setting. She made the decision to enroll in the FIEE, which is a bridge to enrollment in the higher education setting. During Diana's participation in FIEE, she gained the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen her success personally and professionally. The FIEE Instructor was able to watch Diana grow in her confidence: her ability to do research, write stronger research-based papers, present developmentally appropriate lessons orally and in writing, and work effectively with young children during practicum. Diana completed the FIEE and earned nine units of college credit through an articulation agreement between Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) Adult ROP and Merced Community College.