LARA stays open, funding uncertain

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - State funding for adult education programs is uncertain as legislators continue to work on finalizing a budget.  With an unclear future, the Lafayette Adult Resource Academy is one of few adult education centers in the state staying open this summer. 

The Lafayette Adult Resource Academy, or LARA, provides free classes for about 4,000 people a year.  An English as a Second Language class helps people like Elvira Del Real, of Lafayette, learn English.  She used to work at Wabash National, until she was laid off in December. She hopes her education at LARA will help her get a new job.

"It's important for better opportunities," said Del Real.

Other LARA classes provide literacy, teach finances, and train skills needed in the workforce. LARA is preparing Cora Taegel, of Lafayette, to get her GED.

"Once I get my GED I hope to go to college somewhere, and from there be able to get a really good job," said Taegel.

She said she hopes to improve life for herself and her son.

"I have a very young son, and I'm a single mom, so instead of being able to work at fast food or something like that, I'd be able to work somewhere good, and if my son wanted something I'd be able to go ok honey, here you go," Taegel explained.

Beth Davila, LARA Assistant Director, said more than 80 percent of LARA's finances comes from federal and state department of education funds.
Due to uncertain state funding, many adult resource centers across the state are closing for the summer, but not LARA.

"We are staying open I think because we have strong support from the Lafayette School Corporation," said Davila.

The future is more cloudly. She said it is not clear what will happen to LARA if the state does not include adult education programs in its budget.