We are a community learning program managed by the U. Mass Labor / Management Workplace Education Program and located in Huntington, MA. We offer free instruction in basic academic subjects - reading, writing, and math - as well workshops in "Next Steps," that is, topics to help learners prepare for further work, career, or school options.
The SHAEC also operates the Southern Hilltowns Computer Center, which offers courses and general "drop-in" hours for individual use. The Center is equipped with 10 new networked personal computers (PCs) with High-speed (DSL) Internet and a full range of productivity software.  Laser and Color Printing is also available.
The SHAEC is funded by a US Housing and Urban Development block grant through the lead town of Russell in partnership with Huntington, Chester and Middlefield. All programs are offered at no charge to residents of Russell, Huntington, Chester and Middlefield. The Computer Center is funded by U. Mass/Amherst as well as a Massachusetts Community Action Programs (MASSCAP) Technology Grant and so is open to residents of all the Southern Hilltowns (Blandford, Chester, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Russell, and Worthington).

The Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center is a community resource for adult learners, where the individual's education and career goals are supported in a learner-led environment. Students can study math, science, reading, writing, social studies, computers and other subjects that enhance workplace skills and encourage leadership. The Center honors and welcomes the rich diversity of its community of learners and teachers.