Literacy Today

News from Project Learn of Summit County October 2009
 Greetings!

Saying "I'm sorry" is difficult.
 
That is what Project Learn staff have to tell perspective students when they call our office to start classes. The need for literacy, GED and ESOL services in our community has never been more critical. But we have to tell students they need to put that goal off for at least another month because all 250 orientation appointments for the month of November are filled. 
 
Project Learn has been asked by the Ohio Board of Regents to expand services in Akron and Summit County. Thanks to local support, we are able to do more, but still additional support is needed. In Summit County, 52,000 adults lack a high school diploma or GED. This makes a difference in our community's quality of life, in our ability to attract and retain businesses and the success of our schools. 
 
I hope when you read this you will consider donating your time and/or making a financial contribution to Project Learn so that we can stop saying, "Im sorry," and instead say, "Congratulations on earning your GED."
Congress Declares National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

Project Learn invites you to join us in celebrating National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week (NAEFLW), October 18 - 24, 2009.  This Congressional declaration is the culmination of literacy advocacy and outreach resulting in 26 co-signers in the House. Congresswoman Betty Sutton and Congressman Tim Ryan also voted in favor of the bill.
 
This acknowledgement sheds light into the problem that is our nation is facing. The National Assessment of Adult Literacy reports that 90 million adults lack the literacy, numeracy or English language skills to succeed at home, in the workplace and in society.
 
Locally, the need for Project Learn's programs and services are at an all time high. As of October 15, all ABE (literacy and GED) appointments for November are filled. Two hundred students made appointments for orientation in just seven hours! Unfortunately, we now have to tell all perspective students to wait until November 16 to make an appointment for December.
 
To better serve those in need, Project Learn expanded from eight to 22 locations throughout Summit County and the city of Kent. The agency hopes to enroll more than 1,800 students. In addition, the agency hopes to help 500 students earn their GED diplomas and assist 250 students enter college or further training.
 
Project Learn will continue to provide its students with outstanding services and will do all that it can to make sure they receive the knowledge and skills needed to excel in life.

How will you be celebrating NAEFLW?
 
Take A Gamble On Literacy 
 
Project Learn of Summit County invites you to join us for an evening of glitz and glamour as we recreate the nostalgia of old Las Vegas. Whether you wear your favorite colored boa or dashing fedora, take a gamble on supporting adult literacy in Summit County.
 
The agency's annual Casino Night will be held at the Martin University Center on Saturday, November 7, 2009.
 
You will enjoy the smooth atmosphere as you try your lady luck while grooving to the sounds of Frank & Dean as they sing all the great songs from the Rat Pack era.
 
After dining on delicious hors d'oeuvres, the Cleveland Cavalier Girls will call the guests to begin the evening's entertainment. The casino will run for two hours with guests aiming to win as many chips as possible to bid on fabulous prizes, including an autographed LeBron James basketball, airline tickets, a four-night stay in Myrtle Beach, a set of Bridgestone tires and various gift baskets.
 
This party with a purpose will be a night to remember and will help adults living in Summit County get the literacy, GED and ESOL skills needed to achieve their personal goals.
 
Our services are in high demand. Imagine how difficult finding a job is in today's economy without a high school diploma or GED. Imagine not being able to help your children with their homework or read them a bedtime story. The money raised from this event will help Project Learn continue to offer programs and services that will make a difference in the lives of people living in our community.
 
Tickets can be purchased at Project Learn's downtown site or by clicking here. Prices are $125 for VIP admission, $75 for general admission or $25 for casino access. To reserve tickets or obtain additional ticket information, call Marquita Mitchell at 330-434-9461.
 
Project Learn Instructor Spotlight
Antalene Hunter, GED Instructor
 
Why did you decide to work in adult education?

I decided to become a part of the literacy journey because of the work I do - I'm a adult probation officer. I work daily with adults who have not completed school. Since Project Learn is my primary GED referral source, I take great pride in being part of the program as well. It's kind of like the best of both worlds to me.
 
Project Learn has a dedicated staff of more than 30 instructors and aides that teach literacy, GED and ESOL classes throughout the county. Each of them brings a passion and commitment to help adults achieve their educational goals.
 
If you would like to volunteer to help in one of our classes, please contact Joyce Taylor to sign up for a volunteer orientation.
 
In This Issue
National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
Take A Gamble On Literacy
Save These Dates

 Signature Event
Saturday, November 7
7 p.m.
Project Learn Can Help Your Bottom Line

 It's true! Our workplace literacy program provides workers with the skills needed to retain a job, advance in their careers or increase productivity. Not only will this boost employee morale, but it can help your company stay competitive in the global economy.
 
Click here to learn more.
 
Enrollment Update

600

More than 600 adults have started classes
at Project Learn since July 2009.
 
Good Luck! 
 
GED Update

64

Project Learn students have passed the official GED test since July 2009.
 
Congratulations! 
 
Do Something
 
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
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.