History

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1968    High school counselor Ev Graves organizes Dover's first Adult Basic Education classes at Dover High School (a product of the 1966 federal Adult Education Act).

1969    Recognizing a need for more flexible classes, Graves asks Irene Duffy to start a daytime program meeting at First Parish Church. Childcare is provided for participants' children.

1970    Helen Phipps is appointed director.

1971    The Dover daytime program is honored with an award from the United States Secretary of Education as the most innovative program in Region I (New England and New York).

1972    Dover Adult learning Center is incorporated as a private non-profit organization.

1977    The Dover School Department appoints Helen Phipps Community Education Director, responsible for enrichment classes and for a comprehensive community education program as well as for Adult Basic Education. She initiates adult high school diploma and vocational education classes.

1978    Dover's first adult high school diplomas are granted. Fall of 1978 - Dover Adult Learning Center has a home, the former Advent Christian Church on Atkinson Street.

1980    The first certified nursing assistant classes are added to the vocational training program.

1983    Dover now has the state's largest English as a Second Language program.

1984    The Adult Tutorial Program moves to DALC, providing volunteer tutors for Adult Basic Education students who cannot attend classes.

1988    The DALC A.B.E. program receives recognition form the U.S. Secretary of Education as the outstanding program in Region One and one of six outstanding programs in the nation.

1994    DALC receives Strafford County general support funding for the first time, has 246 G.E.D. and adult high school graduates (largest secondary graduating class in county).

1998    Center celebrates 25 years with an open house and the creation of an endowment of the Helen Phipps/Debbie Tasker scholarships. The Dover Adult Basic Education Program was selected as one of 25 test sites in the nation for Equipped for the Future (EFF) standards.

2000    Debbie Tasker completes 20 years of leadership as DALC director.

2001    336 GED graduates set new record. DALC computer lab is created and first on-site computer classes are held.

2002 30th Anniversary celebrations include a well-attended open house, fundraising for the American Cancer Society and monthly student profiles. WMUR-TV and Citizens Bank name the Center the New Hampshire Community Champion non-profit organization for the month of May.

2003 Lower level of 61 Locust St. is extensively remodeled; Rochester programs move into one location at 57 Wakefield Street. State of NH authorizes use of Trade Name "Adult Learning Center of Strafford County" in addition to Dover Adult Learning Center.

2004 ABE classes and collaborative Explore! program launch in Farmington. Yard sale FUNdraiser begins. McConnell Center plan to move Center in total endorsed by city council.

2005 First eBay FUNdraiser event. Center is a founding sponsor of Rotary Club dancing bears.