Jon Engel says adult literacy is at the core of what Community Action does. (Courtesy photo)
by KIM HILSENBECK
Jon Engel, adult education director at Community Action of Central Texas, has worked in the adult literacy field for most of his 25-year professional career. He helped create the Kyle Learning Center, located in the Saddle Creek Apartments along Interstate 35.
His work and dedication was recently recognized by the Texas Association of Adult Literacy Education; on Feb. 2, the organization awarded Engel Texas Adult Education Administrator of the Year.
In his role at Community Action, he administers a program that offers 59 adult education classes in 29 locations across eight Central Texas counties. The program serves about 1,500 adults annually – more than half from Hays County.
“One in four Hays County adults age 16 to 60 needs adult education services,” said Engel.
While Community Action administers many services, such as Head Start, health clinics, and comprehensive utility payment programs, adult literacy is a large piece of the pie.
“Community Action is a natural home for the adult education program,” Engel said. “Adult literacy is at the core of what Community Action is all about.”
