About

Informal Learning for our Community

Our Mission:

To provide area adults with opportunities to explore a variety of stimulating courses, lectures and special events in a congenial and cooperative setting among friends and neighbors.

The Kingsport Alliance for Continued Learning (KACL) was established in 1993 to provide area adults with opportunities to explore a variety of subjects and to expand their cultural horizons. Membership in KACL is open to men and women of all ages. KACL is a continuing education program of East Tennessee State University (ETSU) at Kingsport. Classes are informal, with no homework and no grades or tests. They offer attendees the opportunity to indulge their intellectual curiosity, engage in discussion, and visit places of local interest. Whether your formal education ended early in life or you’ve acquired an advanced degree, you are welcome. KACL classes are offered during the morning and afternoon hours. The classes generally consist of two-hour sessions over a six-week time period.

Most classes are held on the campus of ETSU at Kingsport Downtown located in the Kingsport Center for Higher Education (KCHE), 300 West Market Street, near the Justice Center. The exceptions are occasional field trips. For more information: (423) 354-5200

Directions to KCHE-ETSU at Kingsport Downtown

Not familiar with KACL?  You may attend any one class free. One free meeting is offered to anyone who has never attended KACL in the past.  Registration is still required; please phone the ETSU at Kingsport Downtown office at (423) 354-5200 to register.

PARKING AND ACCESS: Parking at KCHE is available in several city parking lots located on Market Street or in the Clay Street lot behind the building.  To avoid citations, do not park in Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger’s parking lot located on the west side of the building. If you have parking questions, please call ETSU at Kingsport Downtown, (423) 354-5200.The classroom building may be entered through the two front, ground-level entrances located on Clay and Market Streets.  Physically handicapped members may enter through these doors. Persons with disabilities who require special assistance or seating are requested to call ETSU at Kingsport Downtown at (423) 354-5200 for arrangements.

KCHE is a tobacco-free campus.  All use of tobacco is restricted.

East Tennessee State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by ETSU. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies:  Special Assistant to the President for Equity and Diversity/Affirmative Action Director, 206 Dossett Hall, (423) 439-4211. ETSU’s policy on non-discrimination can be found at: http://www.etsu.edu/equity/compliance.aspx   ETSU is an AA/EEO employer.