Charlottesville, Va. – March 14, 2025 – The Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) Thomas Jefferson Adult and Career Education (TJACE) division will hold its twenty-ninth annual “Voices of Adult Learners” program March 20. “Voices” is part of the Virginia Festival of the Book, and will be held in the V. Earl Dickinson Building on the PVCC main campus, at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will receive a free book.

Voices is a celebration bringing together adults from literacy, GED®, and English as a Second Language education programs to share their compelling stories. Students enrolled in literacy and adult education programs compose a variety of writings about family, work, education, and life changes. This year, TJACE received over 75 entries for the publication, including stories from adult learners in Besancon, France (a Charlottesville Sister City).

TJACE@PVCC Director Carol Coffey shared, “This year’s theme explores how adult learners gain momentum to accomplish their goals despite difficulties and detours along the way. Students will read their winning stories with unique voices that reveal insight into the universal passion and perseverance which move us all.”     

The dedication and generosity of many individuals and organizations contribute to the success of this important program. TJACE collaborates with community organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle, the International Rescue Committee, Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail, and Virginia Humanities’ Virginia Festival of the Book to help advance adult education and literacy.

To learn more about TJACE@PVCC visit pvcc.edu/tjace. To explore Voices of Adult Learners, visit pvcc.edu/tjace/voices-adult-learners.

About Piedmont Virginia Community College

Established in 1972, Piedmont Virginia Community College is a nonresidential two-year institution of higher education that serves Central Virginia – principally, residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. PVCC is committed to providing access to a college education for all who can benefit, an opportunity for each student to reach her/his potential, and excellence in all programs and services. The main campus is in Albemarle County, Virginia. Classes are also offered at the PVCC Eugene Giuseppe Center in Stanardsville, Va. (Greene County) and the PVCC Jefferson School Center in downtown Charlottesville. Visit pvcc.edu.