In recent months, greater emphasis has been placed on helping students successfully transition from Project Learn to post-secondary education and training.
 
More students are realizing that obtaining their GED is just the first step, and they must now further their education and job skills to become more competitive in this tough economy.
 
"Although Project Learn does a good job in prepping people to take the GED, there's a gap between passing the GED and preparing for college and vocational training," said Executive Director Rick McIntosh. "We've partnered with the University of Akron (UA), Portage Lakes Career Center and others to make sure we fill that gap."
 
Project Learn is developing curriculum that will help students realize their goals beyond obtaining their GED. The classes will stretch current instruction to include study skills and career and college prep courses.
 
Local funding from the GAR Foundation and the Akron Community Foundation has helped Project Learn propel agency efforts to increase access to post-secondary education for students in the adult education system.
 
"We're excited at the possibility of working with Summit College and Adult Focus on the UA campus," Rick said. "These are true partnerships that will increase the likelihood of adults succeeding in college and vocational training."
 
The transitional classes will start this summer and run year round. Project Learn hopes to have an initial class of 45 students. 

 

Last month, Project Learn held its 8th Annual Leaders for Literacy Breakfast. The event was hosted by Judges Thomas and Linda Tucci Teodosio, who both emphasized the importance of literacy and education as members of the bench and in their personal life.
 
While attendees ate their breakfast, they completed a 15-question practice GED test. The goal was to have attendees see what it's like to be a Project Learn student.
 
"It was interesting to see that the attendees had the same anxieties, fears and apprehensions as our students," said Program Director Marquita Mitchell.
 
The most commonly missed questions were in the mathematics and writing sections. The average score was 80 percent; however, three attendees earned a perfect score.
 
"I was nervous when it was time to turn in the test," said breakfast attendee Lee Williams. "I thought that part of my life was over."
 
But when Lee saw he earned a 93 percent, his feelings changed.
 
"I guess it wasn't too bad," he laughed. "It also made me appreciate what the agency does for our community."
 
Following breakfast, Project Learn honored local leaders who have helped in the agency's dedication to serving the 45,000 people in Summit County who are illiterate. This year's literacy award winners were:

 

In 1991, GED student Keziah Buchanan, 51, and her family moved to the United States to escape the civil war that was going on in Liberia, West Africa, her native country.

 

After being in the United States for more than 18 years, Kezieh realized that she wanted a better life. Project Learn is helping her reach this long-sought dream.
 
Why did you come to Project Learn?
A friend told me about Project Learn and how they could help me get an education. I knew the people here could help me elevate myself.
 
Are you happy you made the decision to come here?
I'm very happy! I enjoy being able to take advantage of the opportunity they've given me.
 
Did you ever second-guess your decision?
I thought I was too old to go back to school. But I read an article about the brain never getting old. That encouraged me, and I've been here ever since.
 
What is your motivation?
Knowing that I can be a better person and use what I learn to help others.
 
What is your ultimate goal?
To become a nurse practitioner. As soon as I pass the GED test, going to nursing school is next.

 

To hear Kezieh's teacher talk about the progress she's made at Project Learn, click here.