Editor’s Note: This is the third installment in a series of articles focused on the partner agencies and programs that are served by the United Way in Montgomery County.
Around 11% of adults between the ages of 18 and 64 do not currently possess a high school diploma or an equivalency in Montgomery County. That’s according to data pulled from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, which is a state-run agency in charge of offering resources for employment in the state. Those with neither receive fewer opportunities in the job market and typically live on fragile financial stability.
As part of an effort to curb these numbers, the Crawfordsville Adult Resource Academy, colloquially known as CARA, was established to offer adult basic education. However, its mission has since expanded to include courses on learning the English language, as well as certifications built on the Integrated Education and Training model. Some sectors covered include welding, manufacturing, supply chain and construction. Courses on entrepreneurship, community healthcare and digital literacy will open in the near future.
“Our goal is to educate and credential adults who want to further their ability to be skilled tradesworkers and achieve a higher earning potential,” said Dr. Meredith Boaz, the director of adult education at CARA. “We tailor our programs to meet the needs of our students, and to remove the barriers of achieving that potential; all at no cost to our students.”
Boaz began her career as a social worker before transitioning into early childhood education, where she founded the Wabash Early Childhood Academy. She went back into public education after 14 years of leading the academy, where she taught second and third grade. When she accepted the opportunity to lead CARA nearly two years ago, she instantly fell in love with adult education.
“On day one, I got to see firsthand how much of an impact that was made on not just our adult students, but their families as well,” Boaz said. “Children getting to see Mom or Dad pursue their education captured my heart. Seeing our adult learners who had fallen through the cracks earlier in life be able to succeed through CARA was life-altering for me.”
In 2025, 197 students were enrolled across all of the programs available at CARA. The goal for 2026 is 210.
“Approximately 44% of our student population enrolled without ever receiving a high school diploma or equivalent, and around 14% of them had less than a ninth grade level of education,” Boaz said. “Montgomery County’s per capita income is about 15% lower than the state average, which indicates the economic challenges that adult education can solve through our programs.”
As part of an effort to remove language barriers locally, English language classes are also taught through CARA instructors. Around 50% of students from different ethnic groups and nationalities enrolled to gain English speaking skills. While a large portion are Spanish-speaking, other corners of the world are also represented.
“We have students from Russia, Ukraine, Nicaragua, the Philippines and China,” Boaz said. “About 47% of the students in our program are Hispanic or Latino, and are enrolled in our English language learner program. The Hispanic and Latino population is currently the second largest racial or ethnic group in the county, which leads us to that clearly indicated need for strategic services.”
Technical education is also a growing demand in today’s job market. State and regional data is gathered to determine what courses are needed the most to help fill in employment gaps. Construction, for example, was the second highest on-demand career field in the county in 2025, which became the catalyst for CARA to apply for and receive a competitive grant that established certified accreditation programs compliant with the National Center for Construction Education and Research. These include construction core, OSHA 10, and electrical home wiring.
“We have worked in the last year to tailor offering programs based on demand,” Boaz said. “This critical data helps us determine what we’re adding next. As I find the funding, I hope to add more programs that address the immediate need in technical certification training.”
With each additional program comes a growing staff. Currently in technical education, there are two welding instructors; a construction trades instructor; a logistics instructor; and a paraprofessional instructor. There are also four adult basic education teachers; four English language teachers; as well as a HiSET testing coordinator and a testing proctor. Each are certified in their respective field, ensuring high quality outcomes.
“All of them are resident experts in what they’re doing,” Boaz said. “These are people who are giving their own time to help educate the adults in our community. I feel like I’ve inherited the Dream Team.”
The week of Sept. 13 was proclaimed as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in Crawfordsville. On Sept. 30, CARA will receive the Program of Excellence designation by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development’s Adult Education leadership.
“It feels amazing to have that support from our city and state governments,” Boaz said. “The more people in places of power recognize adult education, the more opportunities become available to help us expand our mission.”
To receive the Program of Excellence designation, CARA had to meet enrollment goals, and a measurable skills gained percentage of 70% in 2026 from its students.
“That means at least 70% of the students in our program have to demonstrate that they have moved up an educational functioning level,” Boaz explained. “That takes dedicated, data-driven teaching. It’s a great honor to be recognized by the state thanks to our team’s commitment.”
CARA’s primary funding comes from the Department of Workforce Development, however it only covers a fraction of its overall foundation. The rest is sourced from community partners and individuals. One such contributor is the United Way in Montgomery County, whose funds help cover classroom equipment; professional development for teachers; additional programming; student enrollment and retention; as well as local outreach initiatives.
“One of the cool things we’ve been able to do with United Way funding is student celebrations and awards,” Boaz said. “We’re now able to celebrate our students in a unique and personal way.”
The United Way in Montgomery County has given the Crawfordsville Adult Resource Academy $18,000 in 2025.
“If not just for adult education, when you take a look around at all the partners the United Way supports, donations are supporting the youth; the hungry; the unemployed … you’re supporting a marginalized group of our community,” Boaz said. “You can know with certainty that your donation is solving immediate problems locally.”
The United Way in Montgomery County is raising $320,000 in 2026 to help local non-profits like CARA to continue providing their services. Learn more about their impacts by visiting www.uwlafayette.org/montgomery.
Those interested in enrolling in CARA’s programs can call 765-362-2690, or visit www.cville.k12.in.us/services/cara.
Kurtis Broadstreet is the 2026 campaign chair for the United Way in Montgomery County.
