Reading Area Community College has received a state grant of more than $750,000 aimed at supporting adult education.

The school was awarded an Adult Basic Education Direct Service grant through the state Department of Education in the amount of $751,695. The college has been an annual recipient of the grant.

According to Rhonda Hudak, director of grant development and management at RACC, the money is used for a number of programs including adult literacy and GED preparation programs, training for tutors and supporting the partnership between RACC and the Berks County Workforce Development Board and CareerLink to address the core education needs of the non-English-speaking workforce by providing access to English as a second language classes.

State Rep. Thomas R. Caltagirone, who announced RACC's receipt of the grant Wednesday, lauded the impact the grant has on the community.

"These are the kinds of public-private partnerships that net results in our community," he said. "Literacy and continuing education classes are good for families looking to succeed and contribute to the economy. Reading Area Community College is an outstanding resource and ally for those goals, and I'm pleased that the state saw fit to invest in their mission.

"I look forward to providing more opportunities for funding in our community."

Adult Basic Education Direct Service grants are available to school districts, libraries, volunteer literacy organizations, public housing authorities, community colleges and public and private nonprofit organizations.