Just the beginning
When students interested in pursuing their high school diploma or learning the English language arrive on campus, they are welcomed by a community ready to support their goals — starting with Patty Mendoza, director of LLCC Adult Education and Literacy. Her lived experience closely mirrors their own.
Patty completed English language learning (ELL) classes upon moving to the United States as a child. Much of her youth was spent translating for her parents. After accepting a position in an adult education program at Iowa Valley Community College, she enrolled in classes herself and completed her associate degree. Adult education had become her passion.
“What we do in adult education is so important,” she says. “It’s not just the high school equivalency, like GED®. It’s not just learning English. It’s the first step in getting your diploma or degree and moving on to the next step.”
Patty went on to complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while advancing in her department, eventually becoming the director of adult learning.
“There can sometimes be misconceptions about earning a high school diploma later in life, and we are working every day to change that,” she says. “Every student who enrolls has a story, if you stop to listen. Many had to work to help their families, battled illness, cared for a loved one or navigated a pregnancy. When you understand their circumstances, you see the strength behind their journey and why their path may have been delayed.”
After years growing the Iowa program, Patty began seeking her next opportunity. In 2023, she accepted the position as director of adult education and literacy at LLCC.
Since then, she has expanded the program to include morning, afternoon and evening classes on main campus, new online options and offerings at all LLCC Outreach Centers. She has also incorporated curriculum focused on today’s essential needs — such as digital literacy, life skills and targeted learning tied to career training in health care and the trades — helping students enter the workforce more quickly.
“For our GED® students, we teach the material needed to pass the test, but it’s not just about that,” she explains. “We work on foundational skills like test-taking, studying and time management. For our ELL students, we bring in speakers to teach life skills — how to get a library card or install child safety seats properly, or knowing their rights as renters. It’s about motivating our students to believe, ‘I can do this.’”
LLCC Adult Education and Literacy classes are in high demand. Patty, humble by nature, credits her team.
"Just like we serve a diverse group of students, we have a diverse team working toward one goal — to make sure students are cared for the way they should be,” she says. “We’re continuing to grow, build and pursue additional grants. There are many things I’m proud of, but the team making this happen is one of the biggest.”
The ultimate measure of success, she adds, is watching adult education and ELL students continue into other LLCC programs including health care, trades and transfer degrees.
“Data shows that students are moving on at LLCC after they complete their GED® or ELL coursework. That’s awesome because our program is not the end game. It’s just the beginning.”