LAUREL — Today’s economic woes have people constantly looking for ways to get the most for their dollars without losing quality.

For those in search of an education institution that will teach skills that will enable them to find a better job or those who are interested in receiving training for a new job, the Pine Belt Education Center in Laurel may be the ideal place, especially those with limited budgets.

“We offer a number of classes here,” said Mary Jo Blackledge, the center’s Adult and Community Education Director. “Prices range from $35 for our digital photography class to $250 for our certified nursing assistant (CNA) and dental assisting classes.

“The $250 for the CNA class includes books and a blood pressure monitoring kit,” added Blackledge. “We also offer cake decorating for $60.”

Classes offered at the center are grouped into three categories - computer, medical and special interest. Those in the computer category include: “Basic Computer for Beginners,” “Keyboarding/Word Processing,”  “Microsoft Office,” “Microsoft Excel 1,”  “Computer-Aided Drafting/AutoCAD,” QuickBooks Pro,” “Administrative Assistant,”  “Digital Photography and “Graphic Design.”

Medical classes include “Nurse Aide Training (CNA),” “Phlebotomy, “Dental Assisting,” and “Medical Terminology/Receptionist.”

Special interest classes are “Cake Decorating,” “Floral Design,” “Conversational Spanish,” “Basic Music,” “Interior Design,” “Sewing,” “Jewelry Making,” and “Financial Workshops.”

“Demand helps us determine what courses to offer,” explained Blackledge. “We have to have a certain number of student in a class before we can offer it.”

According to Blackledge, at least 12 students are needed to make up a class. The center tries to limit each class to no more than 20 students.

Although the center is open 12 months a year, classes are basically held 10 months a year. During the summer months the staff and administrators work to get things ready for the next year.

The center’s adult classes are funded by the State Board for Community & Junior Colleges, Mississippi Department of Education’s Vocational Division, the Jones County School District and United Way of the Pine Belt Region. Established in 1973, the center operates as a part of the Jones County School District.

“During the day, it serves as the Jones County School District’s Alternative School,” said Blackledge. “The adult classes are held in the evenings. Times and length of the classes vary.”

Blackledge noted that while fees are required to attend classes, the center offers a free basic skills and GED (General Educational Development) training to adults 17 and older who are not enrolled in school. Once studies are complete, individuals do have to pay a fee to take the GED Test.

Those who complete the test successfully, will receive a “high school equivalency diploma.”  A successful candidate scores 410 or above on five subject-area tests that include language arts (reading), language arts (writing), mathematics, science, and social studies.

“Although we have been here for quite some time, there are still people who don’t know we exist,” said Blackledge. “Once they find out what we offer, they are quite surprised.”

Blackledge said she has seen an influx of people in recent months, however. Some come from other counties, as well as other states. “We have a number of people from Alabama,” she said. “A lot of times people ask us why they don’t have a program like ours in their area.”

Blackledge said she is glad Jones County has a place people can come and fulfill their educational needs.

“Our program goal is to provide the education and skills that enable adult learners to find and retain jobs and enjoy productive and successful lives,” said Blackledge.

For additional information, phone Mary Jo Blackledge at 601-649-4141.