Adult and Community Education of Martha's Vineyard

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- About Us -


Adult and Community Education of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts (ACE MV) provides educational opportunities for community centered learning, enrichment, practical training, college credit, and life-long learning that bridge generations and cultures to improve the quality of life for all members of our community.

A Bit of Background:

ACE MV began in July 2008, first offering classes in October 2008. However, adult education began on Martha's Vineyard in the 1970's after a study by Harvard University determined that the Island both had the resources to provide quality education and community need for educational development (Parents' group called A.C.E. - Action Committee on Education- with Ann Bassett, Lee Fiero, Amy Zoll). The Adult Education Program began more formally on the Island in the 1980's and continued for 18 years (John Morelli, Director/Initiator). It was reorganized from 2000-2002 (Betsy Dripps, Director), and then revitalized again in 2006 as Extended Adult Education (Marge Harris, Director/Initiator later Laurie Halt, Director). Founded in 2008, Adult and Community Education of Martha's Vineyard (Lynn Ditchfield, Founder/ Executive Director) is a new initiative continuing the tradition in partnership with the public schools, while aiming to expand the educational offerings and collaborate with other community organizations (see Educational Organizations for some members of the Advisory Council) with similar educational goals to better serve the community. As of March 2010, ACE MV became a tax deductible 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization.



What makes ACE different? We respond to the needs of our unique community through innovative cultural and educational programming to provide:

 

*Community centered learning:

"By having the classroom discussion and in-person teacher instruction, I have learned much more than I ever have on-line." Evelyn Vertefeuille

 

*Enrichment:

"I love that teachers are local people invested in the community... it's a very friendly atmosphere to learn or try something new out." Elizabeth J. Stobart

 

*Practical training:

"ON ISLAND... In school ME!! Wonderful opportunity to begin learning again as an adult with support of professionals and fellow adult students." Katherine Neadow

 

*College credit:  ACE works with our Board, Advisory Council and collaborating organizations to make available higher education courses in areas of ~Business/ Technology: Management/ Hospitality/Real Estate/ Non-Profit/Vocational Training/ Arts, Communications & Media; ~Criminal Justice: Professional Development of police, local government, and legal agencies; ~Education: pre-K-14 & Professional Development; ~Environmental Science: Sustaining Environment, Island Ecology, Agriculture & Marine life; ~Health Care: Physical and Mental Health, Social Services

 

"A lot of people on Island feel the isolation of living here and that puts limits on goals. Being able to take college credit courses on Island has helped me tremendously. If it weren't for ACE MV, I would not be able to accomplish my goal of working towards my Associates degree." Sylvia Cappelli

 

*Life-long learning:

"A comfortable learning experience, especially if you've been out of school 25 years." Patricia Harris


*Bridge generations and cultures:

"A program that makes one...appreciate the past and understand the present and protect the future." (Wampanoag History class)  - Vail Barrett

 

 

Adult and Community Education of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts (ACE MV) provides educational opportunities for community centered learning, enrichment, practical training, college credit, and life-long learning that bridge generations and cultures to improve the quality of life for all members of our community.


- Testimonials -

 "To expand knowledge of things - meet new people. The classes are great for networking with other people." Wes Pikor

 

"It is good to be exposed to talented people who are usually hidden in everyday life." Jim Athearn

 

"It was located right here, on island.  The small class size really allowed individual attention.  I learned so much! I have taken on-line classes in the past.. There is really no comparison.  By having the classroom discussion and in-person teacher instruction, I have leaned much more than I ever have on-line." Evelyn Vertefeuille

 

"It's very important that we have a local place to keep our minds sharp and busy by learning something new  Thank you for offering interesting classes and wonderful teachers."  Laura G. Rose

 

"I love that teachers are local people invested in the community.  Everyone wants you to succeed and it's a very friendly atmosphere to learn or try something new out." Elizabeth J. Stobart

 

"These courses have enhanced my day-to-day life... " Sandy Isenstein

 

 "Nice having a professional teaching. Wonderful opportunity to begin learning again as an adult with support of professionals and fellow adult students and "ON ISLAND... In school ME!! Wonderful opportunity to begin learning again as an adult with support of professionals and fellow adult students." Katherine Neadow

 

"Not only is it a beneficial learning tool for a possible career choice, but it also enhances self-recognition in abilities of education/skills.  (It had been about 6 years since I took a class!!!). I just want a stable enough job... and still have the ability to stimulate my brain on a daily basis." Claudetta Matthews

 

"I think a lot of people on Island feel the isolation of living here and that puts limits on ones goals. ACE changes that. Being able to take college credit courses on Island has helped me tremendously. If it weren't for ACE MV and other generous supporters, I would not be able to accomplish my goal of working towards my Associates degree." Sylvia Cappelli


"Wonderful opportunity to earn college credit on island. ACE MV understands the need to bring continuing education opportunities to the island.  By providing weekend instruction ACE is providing a service that would otherwise be inaccessible for many of us." Tara Simmons

 

"ACE MV provides an excellent recourse for Islanders to achieve their educational goal...As a business owner and a mother I could not take these classes without ACE MV. Thank you for bettering my life and the life of so many others!" Elizabeth Bonifacio

 

"The convenience of instructors teaching on the Vineyard is a huge benefit.  The teachers are extremely helpful and available.  I have learned an amazing amount, which will be useful for a variety of reasons." Martha Tholen

 

"The success of these three women comes from their willingness to stand and show us through their vulnerability how they have transcended this prejudice, learned our language and customs, have indeed made successful transitions to our culture and have placed themselves well as contributing community members. And they remained joyful in the face of it!" (Women's History event) Jenifer Parkinson

 

"Cheers, for materializing community energy, a charming evening, and highlighting ACE MV!" Nan Doty
"How wonderful to be included in the first Cultural festival at the high school. The African crafts were just part of whole assortment of beautiful handmade gifts raising money for good causes." (Cultural Festival) Marsha Winsryg

 

 "What an absolutely wonderful trip we had! We loved every minute of our precious time in Nicaragua. We have fabulous memories - ranging from humorous to sad to awestruck to blissful." (International Volunteer trip to Nicaragua) Meg Braley

 

"ACE MV is a fantastic community program. I had an enthusiastic and highly skilled teacher in a low-pressure learning environment. Fun for adults and worthwhile."

"Congratulations on all the good work that you are doing for MV. ACE has become a much needed addition to the Vineyard. It has grown and become robust." Andrea Quigley


 

2008-2009 Overview Year One

Enrollment

# Classes Given

 

# Enrolled

# Classes Offered

16

Fall 2008

155

24

22

Winter 2009

191

40

30

Spring 2009

202

52

68

58% offered

TOTAL

548

116

 

2009-2010 Overview Year Two

Enrollment

# Classes Given

 

# Enrolled

# Classes Offered

30

Fall 2009

240

53

26

Winter 2010

217

38

30

Spring 2010

257

40

86

66% offered

TOTAL

714

131

Increase of students: 30% since 08-09

2010 -2011 Overview Year Three

Enrollment

# Classes Given

 

# Enrolled

# Classes Offered

23

Fall 2010

402

39

24

Winter 2011

294

37

24

Spring 2011

     253

31

6

Spring/Summer

62

6

 

Networking

5

 

1

Customizing

12

1

78

68%offered

TOTAL

1028

114

Increase of students: 44% since 09-10 and 87% since 1st year

2010-2011 first year as 501 (C)(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 




ACE MV 80 Chase Road, Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) -693-1033 ext 240 voice mail or call 774-310-1131, email: lynn@acemv.org