NORMAL - Lincoln College-Normal will unveil today the Center for Adult Learning, a site created in response to the quick growth of its bachelor's degree completion program.

In less than two years, that Accelerated Bridge to Education program has grown from 17 to 150 students.

"We're really enjoying the success of this program. We're expanding our offerings because we've found there's a real demand in the community for this," said Pam Johnston, a Lincoln College-Normal associate dean.

The grand opening of the new 2,100-square-foot facility at 1608 Northbrook, Normal, will include a visit at 11:30 a.m. from the Normal Mayor Chris Koos, Lincoln-Normal Vice President Gigi Fansler and area business leaders. The event will be free and open to the public.

Today also marks the launch of two other adult programs: a college certificate program, which will require fewer credits than a degree, and a work-training program aimed at professionals. The first certificate to be offered will be in dental services management.

"This all really suits the nontraditional working adult," said Johnston.

This trend is on the rise locally and nationally. A 2007 Jobs for the Future report found traditional higher education programs, which target 18- to 22-year-old, full-time students, don't properly address the needs of adult learners, most of whom are working full time while seeking degrees.

Other area campuses, including Eureka College and Heartland Community College, have embarked on similar programs aimed at working adults.

Johnston attributes the fast growth in the Accelerated Bridge to Education program to its flexibility.

Students can enroll at any time during the school year because of the five-week course format. They also can stop and start at a later date.

The program also applies work experience toward credit, so a completed associate's degree isn't always required, she said.

Lincoln College was established as a junior college in 1865. The Twin Cities site opened in 1979 and began offering bachelor's degrees in 2001.

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Grand opening

What: Grand opening of Lincoln College-Normal Center for Adult Learning,

When: 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: 1608 Northbrook, Normal (near Lincoln-Normal's Raab Road campus)

Information: (309) 452-0500 or abe.lincolncollege.edu