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| News from Project Learn of Summit County |
May 2009 |
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Greetings!
 Earlier this year, a federal study was released that estimated 32 million adults in the United States (or one in seven) have low literacy skills that make it hard for them to read anything more difficult than a children's picture book (read more). This is a startling, yet very real statistic.
Project Learn is dedicated to improving the communities we serve. We are not content with Ohio's illiteracy rates and are committed to assisting community members in improving their lives through literacy. Our students see tangible differences in the quality of their life and the lives of their children.
The hard work of our staff, teachers and volunteers has earned Project Learn an 'exemplary' rating on its FY 2008 program review from the Ohio Board of Regents.
We will be celebrating the agency's annual recognition ceremony and GED graduation next month. We expect to have more than 250 GED graduates, which is another validation of the good work we've done. However, we can't go without thanking our funders and supporters.
Thank you, and we look forward to another good program year!
Sincerely,
Rick McIntosh
Executive Director
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 Agency Rated as "Exemplary" by the Ohio Board of Regents
Project Learn of Summit County received a rating of 'exemplary' on its FY 2008 (July 2007 - June 2008) program review from the Ohio Board of Regents (OBR).
This is the second year the agency received this distinguished rating, and is a reflection of the outstanding service provided by the teachers and volunteers at Project Learn.
OBR provides a rating for local adult basic education programs based on the following elements:
- meeting the minimum performance expectations for each educational functioning level;
- meeting minimum performance expectations for student goals in gaining employment, entering post-secondary education and/or training, and obtaining a GED;
- meeting student enrollment projections and student retention rates; and
- meeting pre- and post-testing rates of students to determine level completion
Project Learn received a score of 97 percent for FY 2008, exceeding performance targets in all functioning levels and surpassing students goals for gaining employment, earning a GED and entering postsecondary education.
Project Learn is the only adult basic education program in Summit County to earn an exemplary rating.
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 Program Review: Generation Y GED
In 2008, Project Learn began offering a Generation Y GED class to meet the growing demands of its students.
Over the past several years, the agency noticed a steady increase in its student population between the ages of 16-24. Today, nearly 40 percent of the participants in the agency's core instructional services and more than 50 percent of GED practice test takers are between the ages of 16 and 24 years old.
Generation Y students' goals, classroom skill sets, and expectations vary greatly from our traditional students. To address these differences, Project Learn created a class and curriculum that better served their needs and learning styles, incorporating technology and fast-paced lessons that would keep them engaged in learning.
One year later, Project Learn teachers and staff have heard nothing but thanks from Generation Y students.
"I didn't finish high school because I felt like my teachers didn't care about me," said Generation Y student Mary Morris.
Mary tried two other high school diploma and GED programs before coming to Project Learn.
"I wasn't progressing," she explained. "So when I heard about Project Learn I was skeptical. But I'm glad I made that switch because I've seen a positive change in my academic abilities."
Project Learn was able to start the Gen Y GED class thanks to funding support from the Akron Community Foundation and the Ohio Board of Regents.
To find out more about Project Learn programs, click here.
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 Student Spotlight
Last week Maurice Thomas, a 2006 GED graduate, stopped by to share his educational accomplishments.
He received his associate's degree in fire protection last year and will be graduating from the University of Akron in December with a bachelor's degree in emergency management.
Maurice, who currently works as a freelance videographer, plans on using his talent to help improve emergency management systems. He hopes to work for FEMA and help the organization become "more proactive, not reactive."
"The 9/11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina opened my eyes to a lot of things that were going on," he explained. "I want to be able to help people get through to unexpected hard times."
Maurice dropped out of high school when he was in the 10th grade so that he could take care of his daughter.
"It was hard because I was a father before I was a man," he said. "But that's the only reason why I stopped going to school. I had to provide for my family."
After seeing where the economy was headed, he decided it was time to finish his education.
"Some people decide to further their education for their children, but I did it for myself," he said. "This allowed me to better provide for my children and become a better role model."
Maurice said he wants African-American males to use him as an example.
"If you want something, you have to work for it," he said. "And that's what I did."
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GED Update
175
Project Learn students have passed the official GED test.
Congratulations!
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Save These Dates
GED Recognition and Graduation Ceremony
Tuesday, June 23
6 p.m.
Signature Event
Saturday, November 7
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Meet the Board
"Meet the Board" is a feature that will spotlight a Project Learn board member who will share why they decided to get involved with Project Learn and their thoughts on literacy and personal experiences with education.
To find out what program chair Denise Stuart considers the value of education and how she interprets recent literacy statistics, click here.
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| About Project Learn of Summit County |
Project Learn of Summit County is an nonprofit, community-based organization providing Summit County's nonreading adult population with free, confidential, small group classes and tutoring. For more information, call Project Learn at 330-434-9461 or visit www.projectlearnsummit.org.
Rick McIntosh Alexia Harris
Executive Director Community Relations Manager |
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Stay Connected
Stay up-to-date with the latest Project Learn news and events by following Project Learn on Twitter (@projectlearn) and joining us on Facebook.
See what it's like to be a Project Learn teacher, student, volunteer or board member by visiting our blog, Read. Achieve. Succeed. |
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