Models of Community-Based Learning Centers
Learning Centers
General Information
- Introduction
- What is a Learning Center?
- Growing a Learning Center
- Models of Learning Centers
- Building an Advisory Board
- Other Resources
Learning Center Operation
Learning Centers Outside Indiana
The Clinton County Learning Network
Susie Trees, Coordinator of the Learning Network of Clinton County
Susie Trees manages a community-based learning center developed in partnership with Purdue University Extension, a pilot project since August, 2000. Susie is a graduate of Butler University and earned her Master's degree from Indiana University and lifetime Vocational degree from Purdue University. Susie has devoted her adult life to education. She taught Family & Consumer Science for 21 years at Frankfort High School and considers herself a life-long learner. Her goal for the Learning Network is to expand the educational opportunities for adults in Clinton County by meeting identified needs. She has certainly accomplished her goal, as the Learning Network will have served 1,000 students in her first year! Susie's tasks include advising students, responding to requests for specialized training from local businesses and industries, and facilitating the development of community classes using local and state resources for lifelong learning. As a community-based learning center, the Learning Network can meet the needs of the non-traditional adult learner for job enhancement, career potential, or lifelong learning in a warm and friendly hometown environment.
Susan Tharp, County Extension Director in Clinton County, Indiana
Susan designed and developed the Learning Network project in response to a community needs assessment that identified adult education as a compelling need. She applied for funding from several sources, and the Learning Network became a reality. Susan is a graduate of Butler University and earned a Master's degree in Adult Education from Ball State University. She is currently a Consumer and Family Sciences Educator with a specialty in Human Development. Susan had a dream of providing educational opportunities to the local community that would include formal education. The Learning Network has made that dream a reality and the community is responding with support and enthusiasm. This pilot program brings Extension to another level in the local community, expanding the role to that of brokering education to meet the community needs and requests. Susan's responsibilities include supervision of the coordinator and general operation of the Learning Network. She is currently the Chairperson of the Learning Network Board.
Harold Kinsler, member on the Clinton County Council
A lifetime resident of Clinton County, Harold Kinsler has been a teacher in the public school system and highly values education within the local community. Currently, Harold also serves on the Clinton County Council and the County Library Board. Harold has served on the Soil and Water Conservation advisory board and was honored just this week as the conservation farmer of the year. He was on the original Learning Network Board and helped develop its by-laws. His knowledge of county government and varied experience have been crucial in the developmental stages of the Clinton County Learning Network.
Carol Price, Vice President of the Learning Network Board
An original member of the Learning Network Board, Carol was the president
of the Chamber of Commerce Board when the Learning Network was just organizing.
Carol serves as a liaison between the Learning Network Board and the Chamber
of Commerce Board. The Chamber of
Commerce and the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service have a formal partnership,
and Carol's communication to both boards is essential in keeping this
partnership effective. The Chamber of Commerce has played a vital role
passing on information to local business and industry. Carol has served
as the marketing chairman for the Learning Network and her many ideas
for publicity and marketing have been well received.