The Gadsden Center houses our Early Learning Initiative Pre-K Classrooms, the Afterschool Alliance, and the Alabama Extended Learning Alliance.
UA Gadsden Early Learning Initiative
The University of Alabama Gadsden Early Learning Initiative (ELI) is an inclusive diverse program designed to meet the needs of the community by providing (2) First Class Pre-K classrooms. The ELI strives to promote evidence based practices and high-quality early learning for all children by providing a model of care and education for young children and serving as a site to advance in-service and pre-service educator professional development and research in early childhood education.
Alabama Extended Learning Alliance
Established with the support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Alabama Extended Learning Alliance (AELA) is one of the 50 national afterschool networks dedicated to informing policy, developing partnerships, and shaping practices to sustain and increase the quality of afterschool programs nationwide.
After School Alliance
The Afterschool Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of afterschool programs and advocating for quality, affordable programs for all children. Creating more afterschool programs, increasing program quality and moving toward long-term sustainability requires building strong public will in support of afterschool and expanded learning. The Afterschool Alliance was created to conduct this public awareness and advocacy work and to serve as a national voice for afterschool and expanded learning.
PEOPLE
DIRECTIONS
From I-59 (North or South):
- From Interstate 59, exit on Highway 759.
- Stay straight on Highway 759 until it ends.
- Turn left on George Wallace Drive.
- Turn left on East Broad Street.
- Cross the bridge.
- Take the first right on 1st Street, after crossing the bridge.
- The Gadsden Center is on the right.
- There is a large sign by the parking lot and on the building.
From Highway 77 (North or South):
- Continue on Highway 77 to Highway 411 in Rainbow City.
- Turn North onto Highway 411 towards Gadsden.
- Continue for several miles, past the Mall, Riverview Hospital, and Convention Hall.
- Turn left on Walnut Street and drive one block.
- Turn right on First Street for two more blocks.
- The Gadsden Center is the second building on the right.
- There is a large sign by the parking lot and on the building.
From Highway 431 North or Highway 278 West:
- As you approach Gadsden, Highway 431 becomes Meighan Blvd.
- Cross the Coosa River Bridge and turn left at the first signal light after the bridge (Third Street).
- Go one block on Third Street, and turn left on Locust Street.
- Go two blocks, and turn right on First Street.
- The Gadsden Center is the first building on the left.
- There is a large sign by the parking lot and on the building.
From Highway 431 South or Highway 278 East:
- Come through Attalla towards Gadsden.
- When you get to Gadsden, Highway 431 becomes Meighan Blvd.
- Begin looking to the right side for street signs.
- Turn right on Third Street. Go one block on Third Street, and turn left on Locust Street.
- Go two blocks, and turn right on First Street.
- The Gadsden Center is the first building on the left.
- There is a large sign by the parking lot and on the building.
From Highway 411 (North or South):
- Exit 411 at Meighan Blvd. (Hwy. 431 N./Hwy. 278 W.).
- At the first light, turn left (Third Street).
- Go one block on Third Street, and turn left on Locust Street.
- Go two blocks, and turn right on First Street.
- The Gadsden Center is the first building on the left.
- There is a large sign by the parking lot and on the building.