The Impact Made by CCC Adult Education and the PVLA

Living in Columbus, Nebraska, is an incredibly unique experience. There’s a lot of opportunity here, and it’s at a crossroads that leads to a variety of different places—both literal and figurative.

While most people are able to grab their piece of the American pie living here, there are some that find obstacles in the way. Here at the PVLA, in cooperation with CCC Adult Education, we do our best to help individuals bridge those barriers.

Some Insight Into Why What We Do Is So Important

Did you know that 11% of the population in Platte County doesn’t have a high school diploma? That can be a huge hindrance when it comes to finding high-paying jobs.

Data from Casey Family Community Opportunity Map 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 25% of the population in Columbus speaks a language other than English.

When it comes to employment in Platte County, we have a 2% unemployment rate, with a 7% poverty rate, but 27% of households are under the 200% poverty level.

Data from Casey Family Community Opportunity Map

People are working, but they are having a hard time making ends meet. What these numbers don’t show is what is holding these individuals back from living their best life, but the possibility exists that it’s education, English-speaking skills, or status.

The vast majority of Nebraskans are aware of the labor shortage. With a 2% unemployment rate, that means that everyone who wants a job, has a job. Yet, there are many, many positions in all fields throughout the state and particularly in Platte County and the surrounding area that need to be filled.

But where to find workers? There just aren’t enough individuals in the state of Nebraska to fill every role, which means that having individuals comes from outside the state, and potentially outside the country, can be incredibly beneficial.

According to the American Immigration Council, in 2021, 7.3% of Nebraska’s residents were foreign-born. They made up 9.2% of the labor force, and they contributed more than $1.2 billion dollars in taxes to the economy and had more than $3.5 billion in spending power.

 

Data from the American Immigration Council 

The largest population of immigrants in the state are aged 16 to 64, which means they are in the prime of their life and looking to start or maintain families. To do that, they need the right means, which includes having a job and community security.

Within Platte County, 11% of the population is foreign born.

Data from the Casey Family Community Opportunity Map

 

Of those in the state of Nebraska, only 69.2% of them are proficient in English. When it comes to education, 36.5% of individuals have less than a high school education. While some immigrants have a high school education and advanced degrees, due to the differences in education systems, their achievements may not always be recognized here in the U.S.

Data from the American Immigration Council 

Building Bridges Over Barriers

Individuals migrate to the U.S. for opportunity, and they come to Platte County and Columbus because there is a lot of opportunity to be had. However, to ensure they are successful in creating a secure life for themselves and their families, there are certain skills they need to attain.

The PVLA and CCC Adult Education is here to help. Our mission is to break down barriers and give people a chance to live their dreams. We empower students to obtain their educational goals and provide the skills and knowledge that they need to be successful in life.

In addition to the programs we have offered for years and years, we have started new programs, including the Integration Class, which helps newcomers to the area transition into the community and become aware of the various services that are here to help, as well as the Family Learning program, which is in place to help parents not only learn the English language but to also understand how the U.S. education system works so that they can help their children be successful.

The need for workers is only going to grow in the future. With that opportunity comes individuals who are willing, ready, and able to work—even if they weren’t born in this country. There may be barriers that stand in their way, but they aren’t permanent. There are ways to break down those obstructions and give people exactly what they need to reach their dreams, and the PVLA and CCC are proud and honored to be part of that journey.