Harris County Department of Education will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony this Wednesday to celebrate the opening of its new Adult Education Learning Center across the street from its main administrative headquarters on Irvington Boulevard.

The $19 million capital improvement project replaces several outdated buildings on the property. The 51,000-square-foot, four-story facility can accommodate up to 1,200 students.

The facility features 17 classrooms, five labs for allied health professions, administrative offices, a student lounge, and a multipurpose community room. The building is designed to feel like a community college environment and features improved pedestrian access, an outdoor patio, and a two-story secure parking garage.

HCDE’s adult education program helps students acquire workforce training, earn a high school equivalency diploma, and learn English (ESL) to enter college or advance in their careers.

HCDE Board of Education Trustees, County Superintendent James Colbert Jr., Adult Education and Facilities staff, and community members