As we wind down our 2018 Fall semester, we want to take time to celebrate the successes of our awesome, hardworking students.
Over the course of our individual student interviews this Fall semester, we have learned that eight Literacyworks Center students are on track to graduate from Santa Rosa Junior College with a certificate and/or associate’s degree at the end of the Spring 2019 semester. Seven of the eight graduates will transfer and continue their education at a 4-year institution (CSUs and UCs). Two students are one subject test away from completing their GED, five students will transition from non-credit ESL to credit ESL courses, and thirteen will move from below college-level English to college-level English next semester. These 100 unique learners share a common goal of wanting to succeed to give back to their communities.
As learners come to our Center from our referral partners, they are categorized into cohorts by their learning level. Most referrals begin in Cohort One and progress to Cohort Three.
Cohort One: Non-credit ESL
Cohort Two: Credit ESL, GED & Basic Skills
Cohort Three: College-level English
In hopes of feedback to help improve and strengthen our program, we asked all students to write a brief statement about how they felt about the Center. Here are a few of their responses:
“Literacyworks Center is a college student’s dream come true. This program provides so much support and resources that students need to be successful. The constant check-ins, financial help, and the resources they provide make it easier to be a student. They motivate you to keep going and make sure their students excel academically and motivate us to follow our dreams.”
“I feel great about the Center and I like the transparency that is shown. Many people want to help students, but not many do it. Their goals are clear and they are clearly motivated to see students succeed. I value most that this program actually does something to further and not complicate our education.”
“This program has allowed me do better for myself. The Center not only helps financially, but they allow me to learn how to improve my bad habits and achieve my goals. They give us opportunities to meet new people and create connections with our fellow peers.”
“I really like this program because having the one-on-one meetings makes me feel like there’s people who care about us and our success. Without the Center, I don’t think that I would be as successful in my classes and the financial help is also helpful.”
“The Center is amazing. This program gives us the keys to open the door to opportunity and success. We have the opportunity to get a better education to improve our knowledge and achieve our goals. I am so lucky; thanks for all your support!”
“Literacyworks has helped me both emotionally and economically. The support regardless of age and the diversity are some things I particularly value. I have not found another support system like this in my educational years.”
“I feel this program is great and helps us continue with our education. First, they listen to you with respect, make us feel we are important to them and they care about us. Secondly, they help us with awards that helps us to pay the many expenses (babysitter, gas, books, etc.).”
2018 YEAR-END CAMPAIGN
We have launched our 2018 Year-End Campaign. Our goal is to raise $50,000. This will allow us to reach our goal of supporting 110 motivated low-income, low literacy adults stay on our program each semester in 2019. We can’t do it without your help. Will you make a gift?
To make your donation now, go to http://www.literacyworks.org/donate or mail a check made out to Literacyworks to:
Literacyworks
625 Second Street
Suite 107
Petaluma, CA 94952
Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@literacyworks.org if you have any questions.
2018 LITERACYWORKS AND COPPERFIELD’S BOOKS LECTURE SERIES
CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA LEE IN CONVERSATION WITH CONGRESSWOMAN LYNN WOOLSEY
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Carole L. Ellis Auditorium (SRJC Petaluma)
680 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma, CA 94952
2:45-4:00 PM
Congresswoman Barbara Lee was born in El Paso, TX. As a single mother raising two sons, she attended Mills College and received public assistance while building a better life for her family. Congresswoman Lee received her Masters of Social Work from the University of California, Berkeley. As a small business owner in the East Bay, Congresswoman Lee worked with people from all walks of life. In 1998, she was elected to serve California’s 9th congressional district (now the 13th) in a special election. She has long advocated for legislative action to end poverty. Her autobiography is Renegade for Peace and Justice: A Memoir of Political and Personal Courage.
Congresswoman Lynn C. Woolsey is a former U.S. Representative for California's 6th congressional district serving Marin County and Sonoma County from 1993 to 2013. Lynn focused on issues facing children, families, and education during her 20-year career in the U.S. House of Representatives.
General Admission: $30
