Press contact: Angela Try

SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College student Maxime Kassa of Springfield was awarded Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year at the Illinois Adult and Continuing Educators Association (IACEA) Conference on March 7 at the Wyndham City Center in Springfield. 

The award recognizes an adult education student who has improved the life situation of themselves or others because of learning experience, has demonstrated leadership within formal or nontraditional learning, has overcome difficult circumstances to pursue learning and has been supportive of others engaged in adult learning. 

Kassa completed the LLCC Adult Education and Literacy program with an emphasis on strengthening his English-speaking skills. Then he continued his education by completing the requirements for the Residential Construction Certificate of Achievement through LLCC’s Workforce Institute. He has finalized his American citizenship and will complete his associate degree in applied science in construction occupations this May.

During this time, instructors say Kassa recruited friends to the adult education program and drove prospective students to admissions and financial aid appointments. “He has steered students toward completing their GEDs and motivated those who felt incapable of moving forward in their educational journey,” said Jeff Martin, LLCC Workforce recruitment and placement coordinator.

The LLCC Adult Education and Literacy program provides adults with free educational opportunities like GED® preparation, basic skills, English language skills, adult career pathways and literacy. Learn more at llcc.edu/adult-education.