About Us

The START Center is a community based nonprofit 501c3 organization with a 15-year history of building a community where all of those in need of adult education services work together in a positive environment to achieve their academic goals. We deliver a high standard of service through strong Student Relationship Management, tailoring our products to meet individual needs supported by a network of family-oriented community services and referral system.

The START Center serves low-income, disadvantaged persons of all backgrounds. Students include males and females from 17 years of age to older workers in their 60's. Over 50% of program participants are school dropouts while appproximately one-third are limited or non-English speakers.
The START Center operates a year-round, featuring open-entry, open-exit, competency-based training with no fixed "semesters".

Students work at their own pace in a highly individualized, non-competitive environment. Many students attend an intensive program — year-round, 20 hours per week for an average of 10 months. Classes are conducted for small groups of students which reinforces the individualized training focus of the START programs.

The START Center’s unique holistic approach, focused on the individual success of each student offers several elements in order for the student to achieve a variety of necessary skills. Computer skills training, job related skills instruction, resume writing and workforce readiness are emphazied along with GED preparation. Basic English skills training is focused on ‘real world’ conversational practice and Vocational English.

In addition to developing basic skills and job related training, START Center instructors integrate program modules where students learn to function independently, improve their ability to solve problems, and achieve economic independence. Workshops are held throughout the program to assist students with issues such as health and nutrition, parenting, financial planning, etc.

The START Center staff coordinates with other cooperating service agencies for available support services and assistance for each program participant. START staff provides individual advising in order to assist the participant to further develop life skills, attitudes and behaviors necessary for self-sufficiency.