Thanks to a new program in Mobridge, area residents can now learn basic computing skills, yoga, tumbling, or French cooking. These are just some of the classes being offered through the newly created Area Community Education (ACE) program. The ACE program is a direct response to community input received by the participants of the Creating a Value-Added Community (CVAC) process implemented in Mobridge last year.

A product of the Northwest Area Foundation, the CVAC process is aimed at helping rural communities find practical ways to build capacity and fuel their economic engines toward a vibrant local economy. In Mobridge, the process brought together almost two dozen citizens to discuss and identify community capacities, and craft a strategic action plan around those assets.

The creation and success of the Mobridge Area Community Education program is a perfect example of identifying and utilizing local talent. Currently, eight different classes are being offered through the ACE program, with more to be added in the near future. Hosted at area schools and facilities, each ACE course is taught by a community member willing to share their knowledge on a particular topic for a nominal fee.

The Area Community Education program is just one of the goals created by the Mobridge CVAC participants. Other goals that are enjoying early success are the creation of a local recycling program, a targeted effort to promote more family tourism, and the creation of a task force to explore bringing a bowling alley to Mobridge.

For more information about the ACE program or the Creating a Value-Added Community process, contact Christine Martin-Goldsmith, 605-845-5202, by email at , or SD Rural Enterprise, 605-978-2804, by email at .

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