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August Focus: Back-to-School Means Back to Building Literacy Foundations
August signals more than just the start of a new school year—it’s a reminder that literacy is at the heart of learning. As students return, so do opportunities to reinforce reading, writing, and communication skills that support success across every subject and setting. Whether you're teaching adults, working in libraries, or running community programs, this season is a chance to re-engage learners and highlight how literacy can help them to navigate success all year long.
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In this issue:
2025 Adult Education & Literacy Conference
What Leaders Need
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Conference Registration is Open
- Early Bird (before August 25): $50
- Standard Rate: $75
✅ Register
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Meet Keynote Amie Haar
Amie Haar is the founder of Emerge, Consulting based in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Amie is passionate about many things, including her faith, her family, the power of a good belly laugh, and the way in which the world can thrive by means of education (especially when it comes to ourselves!).
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Presenter Biographies
Curious about who is presenting this year? You can find biographies for all of the presenters here.
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Celebrating HiSET success:
Stories of resilience and transformation
We're proud to spotlight two inspiring HiSET graduates from Oklahoma-Stanley Johnson and Destinee Grate-whose powerful stories highlight the resilience and life-changing impact of the HiSET program. This feature also supports our Join the HiSET Yearbook initiative to showcase stories from across the HiSET community. .
Stanley Johnson
Stanley Johnson's journey to graduation spanned nearly two decades. After surviving a traumatic brain injury from a serious vehicle accident, Stanley faced immense physical and emotional challenges. Yet, with unmatched determination, he returned to his studies and completed the HiSET program in 2025.
His graduation was not just a personal milestone-it was a moment that inspired his fellow students and the educators who stood by him. Stanley's story is a testament to perseverance, second chances, and the power of never giving up.
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Destinee Grate
A single mother of two from Oklahoma City, Destinee Grate began her HiSET journey in 2021. While working toward her credential, she endured the heartbreaking loss of her daughters’ father. Through grief and adversity, she pressed on - fueled by a deep sense of purpose and a message she often shares: “How bad do you want it?”
For Destinee, HiSET wasn't just a test - it was a turning point. It restored her confidence, gave her direction, and helped her model resilience for her children. She went on to graduate from college, breaking generational cycles and setting a powerful example for her family and community.
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Join the HiSET Yearbook
Inspired by Stanley and Destinee?
We want to hear from you!
Students, educators, and administrators are invited to share their HiSET success stories for a chance to be featured in the HiSET Yearbook.
Also, don't forget - you can request a personalized graduation video to celebrate this milestone!
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Schedule & Class Descriptions
- Class Descriptions are available! You can visit here to start planning your conference schedule.
- Opening Session Keynote: Energy Management: Navigating with Clarity + Purpose
- Closing Session Keynote: Charting the Course: Where Your Story Meets Your Strength
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Hotel Accommodations
Stay at the Embassy Suites, NW (3233 NW Expressway, OKC):
- State rate for CareerTech & DOC attendees (limited availability)
- $149 (+tax) for all others
- Overflow hotel: Residence Inn, 3151 NW Expressway
🛎️ Reservations must be made through OLC to get these rates
👉 Click “Make My Hotel Reservation” You will need either a purchase order or credit card when making your reservation.
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Scholarships
Scholarships are available for:
- OLC Organizational Members (1 per org)
- Adult Learners in literacy or CareerTech programs
📌 Click the “Register an Individual" button on the registration page.
When you reach the payment question, choose "Scholarship".
✉️ If accepted, you will be notified within two business days.
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Adult Learning Awards: Coming Into Port
Join us for this free event honoring Oklahoma’s adult learners and tutors!
September 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Embassy Suites NW, OKC
Nominations are due August 7 — start your nomination forms today! The forms are here:
Adult Learners and Tutors
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OK Adult Education & Literacy Conference Sponsors
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SAVE THE DATE:
What Leaders Need: Strategic & Succession Planning
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Join Emma McKinney, Executive Assistant to the President & CEO at Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits on September 23, for this FREE webinar.
Strategic planning helps nonprofit organizations align their mission with long-term goals, ensuring resources are used effectively to maximize impact. Participants will explore how strategic and succession planning work hand-in-hand to create a clear roadmap for decision-making, strengthen accountability, and proactively prepare for leadership transitions.
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Resource References:
We will have Free Books available at the conference. Some for you and some for your class...
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