As a new school year begins, Crystal White, Adult Education Supervisor at Community Action, Inc., marks a remarkable milestone—20 years of dedication to Adult Education. We sat down with Crystal to reflect on her journey, the evolution of the program, and the lives it continues to transform.
Since joining the organization two decades ago, White has been a driving force behind transformative learning experiences for hundreds of adult learners. Her journey into Adult Education began unexpectedly after graduating from Penn State, driven by a desire to help others. “Education wasn’t my original path,” White recalls, “but I quickly realized it was the most powerful way to help people improve their lives.”
Adult Education students are as diverse as the paths that led them here—but they share one powerful trait: a commitment to growth. Their journeys are not only varied, but deeply inspiring: former high school dropouts reclaiming their education to unlock new job opportunities or advance in their careers; aspiring college and vocational students building the academic foundation they need to succeed; young adults stepping into adulthood with ambition, optimism, and a thirst for knowledge; older learners reinventing themselves after layoffs, life transitions, or years of personal hardship; parents and grandparents model resilience and lifelong learning for the next generation. “There’s a misconception that Adult Education students are ‘bad kids.’ That couldn’t be further from the truth,” says White. “Most simply faced difficult circumstances early on or didn’t thrive in traditional K–12 environments. What they show now is courage, determination, and a belief in second chances.”
Over the years, White has guided more than 200 students to GED success, learning as much from them as they have from her. “They’ve taught me patience, dedication, and resilience,” she says. “We do more than reading, writing, and arithmetic—we build relationships and help students navigate the challenges that come with success.”
The landscape of Adult Education has evolved dramatically. “We used to teach in dark basements or outdated computer labs,” White remembers. “Now, we’re in bright classrooms, with high-speed internet, laptops, and tablets. Students can even attend live classes via video chat.”
AE has shifted from simply helping students earn a GED to supporting their transition into higher education and career pathways. “Our AE team at Community Action, Inc. is committed to providing flexible, supportive learning environments that meet students where they are—academically, emotionally, and logistically. Whether it’s helping someone earn their GED, prepare for college, or build confidence, the program is a launchpad for transformation.” explained White.
Despite its progress, AE faces ongoing challenges, especially funding. “Technology, books, and supplies are costly, and government funding hasn’t kept pace,” White notes. “We offer flexible class times and locations to accommodate students’ needs, but that requires more instructors and resources.”
Community support is the cornerstone of adult education. White urges everyone to take part, whether by volunteering as a classroom aide or tutor, offering rides to students, donating to sustain vital programs, or simply spreading the word. “Every act of support, no matter how small, creates ripples of change,” White says. “Together, we can uplift learners, transform lives, and build a stronger, more resilient community.”
For more information on the free services offered in the Adult Education project at Community Action, Inc., contact
[email protected] or (814) 938-3302, ext. 204.