The main library downtown Akron doesn't open until 9 a.m. every morning. But on September 15, and the 15^th of every month, that didn't stop 150 prospective students from lining up outside the library's doors to sign up for October orientation.

As the minutes passed, the line grew. Although there were eight staff members answering phones and setting up appointments, the crowd looked daunting. By 10 a.m., all 220 spots for next month's GED orientation were filled and we were forced to tell "late" stragglers they had to wait until October to sign up for November orientation.

The need for Project Learn's literacy, GED and ESOL classes is real. Project Learn is the largest comprehensive GED and ESOL program in Northern Ohio and the only one of its kind funded by the Ohio Board of Regents in Summit County.