Whalen Named Adult Education and Literacy Advocacy Group President-Elect

East Central College Adult Education and Literacy Director Alice Whalen has been named President-Elect of the Missouri Adult Education and Literacy Administrator’s Association (MAELAA).

The statewide network of Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Program Directors is dedicated to the advancement of adult education through high-quality services and professionalism in the field.

“Nearly 750,000 people ages 25 and older have less than a high school diploma in Missouri,” said Whalen. “Increased education can have a large economic impact for an individual, but also for a community.”

That increased education, says Whalen, leads to increased wages – impacting poverty rates, welfare participation, unemployment, healthcare costs, prison recidivism and tax revenues at both the state and national level.

“Public awareness is always a challenge,” Whalen said. “Adult education and literacy is a widespread problem that often hides in the shadows. We hope to really bring it to light in the near future.”

Whalen will begin her term May 9. Former President-Elect Ann McCauley, Moberly Area Community College, will take over as President of the organization at that time.

MAELAA supports Adult Education and Literacy legislation on local, state and national levels.  It collaborates and provides assistance in developing Adult Education and Literacy programs, priorities, guidelines and regulations.