History of Adult Education

Origins and Early Years (Post-WWII – 1957)
The roots of adult education at Missoula County High School (MCHS) trace back to the years following World War II. Early efforts were shaped by federal legislation designed to provide education and job training for returning veterans. During this time, Mark Jennings, a vocational agriculture instructor, taught farming-based classes to support this population.

These early programs depended heavily on the dedication of instructors who extended their workdays to meet community needs. While formal records from 1947 to 1957 are not available, it is believed that adult learning opportunities continued through short-term “community service” classes designed for specific interest groups.

Formalization and Departmental Growth (1957 – 1960)
Formal record-keeping began in 1957, when adult education was still considered a peripheral activity. Two distinct departments operated independently:

  • Business Department: Offered courses such as typing and bookkeeping, funded through student fees.

  • Industrial Education: Provided training in carpentry and auto mechanics, funded through state and federal sources, including the George Barden Act.

By 1958, the program expanded to include welding (sponsored by Missoula Mercantile), licensed practical nursing (LPN), and trade apprenticeships for electricians, plumbers, and sheet metal workers. Agricultural courses, such as veterinary procedures, were also introduced through the Smith-Hughes Act.

Community support became increasingly important by 1959–60. MCHS utilized a permissive levy for funding, and local unions donated machinery and supplies to help offset a 50% reduction in federal reimbursement.

Rapid Expansion and Curriculum Diversity (1961 – 1966)
The early 1960s marked a shift from steady growth to rising demand. Enrollment increased from an estimated 605 students in 1960–61 to 1,478 by 1963–64.

Key developments during this period included:

  • High-Demand Courses: Welding became the most sought-after class, eventually expanding from one shop to three by the early 1970s.

  • Expanded Curriculum: New offerings included languages (Russian, German, Spanish), arts (drawing, painting, tailoring), and practical skills (cooking, first aid, data processing).

  • MDTA Integration: Classes funded through the Manpower Development Training Act (MDTA) provided specialized training for roles such as lumber graders, forestry aides, and aircraft production storekeepers.

Despite this growth, administrative capacity remained limited. Program directors often balanced full-time high school teaching responsibilities while managing evening adult education programs.

Administrative Evolution and the Technical Center (1967 – 1971)
The establishment of the Missoula Technical Center in 1967 marked a significant milestone in the program’s development.

  • 1967–68: Benjamin Ulmer was appointed Director of the Technical Center, while John Giese served as Supervisor of Adult Education in addition to his full-time teaching role.

  • 1968–69: Adult Basic Education was introduced to support individuals with fewer than eight years of formal schooling.

  • 1971–72: Administrative restructuring allowed Adult Education to operate as a more independent program under Director John Giese and Supervisor Carl Sandell.

Program Maturity (1972 and Beyond)
By the 1971–72 school year, enrollment reached 3,137 students, supported by a budget exceeding $124,000. The curriculum continued to evolve in response to community interests, adding courses such as:

  • Home & Auto: Snowmobile maintenance, furniture refinishing, and “milady and her automobile.”

  • Crafts & Culture: Moccasin beading, fly tying, and Swedish

  • Academic: High school credit courses in history, math, and science

By 1973, with anticipated enrollment approaching 4,000 adults, the program had grown to mirror the size of the daytime high school population (grades 9–12).

The Lifelong Learning Center: A Legacy of Opportunity
Today, the Lifelong Learning Center—Adult Education Division of Missoula County Public Schools—continues this legacy, evolving from its post-WWII origins into a dynamic hub for personal and professional growth. While early programs focused on veterans and trade skills, the Center now serves a diverse and changing community.

Empowering Today’s Learners
We support individuals at every stage of their journey, ensuring education remains accessible throughout adulthood:

  • Career Readiness & Certification: Specialized vocational programs in high-demand fields such as construction, healthcare, and accounting.

  • Academic Achievement: Building on the foundation of Adult Basic Education, we provide pathways for High School Equivalency (HSE), GED completion, and college readiness.

  • Digital & Technical Literacy: Courses in tools such as QuickBooks and digital design reflect the evolution of earlier “office practice” and “data processing” classes.

  • Personal Enrichment: A wide range of classes in photography, arts, and fitness continues to serve the diverse interests of the community.

A Strategic Partner for Local Business
The Center plays a key role in workforce development, continuing a long tradition of collaboration with local industry and organizations:

  • Customized Workforce Solutions: Tailored training opportunities—including OSHA safety and NCCER certifications—help businesses upskill employees and meet regulatory standards.

  • Professional Development: Programs such as HR certification preparation and computer skills training support a competitive workforce.

  • Community Partnerships: Just as unions once contributed equipment and expertise, today’s partnerships with instructors and industry professionals ensure programs remain relevant and responsive.

A Vital Community Pillar
Today, the Lifelong Learning Center is more than a place to take classes—it is a gateway to opportunity. Whether someone is exploring a new career, strengthening workplace skills, or pursuing a personal interest, the Center provides the tools and support needed to succeed. Its continued growth reflects a simple truth: learning is lifelong, and access to education strengthens the entire community.