Jeff, originally from China, came to GLA in September of 2012. He has been instrumental in the implementation of our morning WorkKeys classes. Many of our ESL students have obtained WorkKeys certificates thanks to his time and dedication. He teaches Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, Pronunciation, Grammar and tutors two of our ESL students one on one. The students feel at ease with him and say he is a wonderful teacher. We are truly grateful to have him in our Center.

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In July, immigration attorney Michael Cullinan, LLC presented two informative sessions to English as a Second Language students on Deferred Action and its effects on the ESL population.  Additionally, the Downtown (DT) program was able to effectively implement four evening WorkKeys classes thanks to the Furman Service Learning placements that have brought in new tutors to prepare the ESL students for a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC).

The DT summer intern created and distributed a new ESL agency flyer to various local businesses, agencies and partners in Greenville County. Several local Hispanic news outlets were instrumental in helping with new enrollments during the start of the new academic year. Additionally, GLA reached the Hispanic community during the festival organized by … (read more…)

This time last year, the wait time for prospective Adult Basic Education students  was between 3-6 months at the Downtown center. At the start of the quarter, there was no waiting list. Staff conducted orientations throughout the term for waiting students. The current wait time for students has been reduced to less than 6 weeks.

Program Managers attended lunch at Gateway House to learn more about their education program and discuss how the two agencies can work together to serve the population at Gateway House. Additionally, staff met with remedial math and reading instructor at Greenville Technical College to discuss starting an off-site program at Nicholtown Baptist Church. … (read more…)

Gerry Poster recently led a Pronunciation session for English as Second Language tutors. This session focused on teaching techniques that can help students from Asian, Spanish, Arabic and Eastern European backgrounds. The feedback was very positive and tutors have already started to implement their knowledge in the classroom.  Also, recently trained ESL tutors have joined the Greenville Literacy family and are looking forward to classes, lessons and eager learners. … (read more…)

Eight Downtown Adult Basic Education students opened an exciting new chapter in their lives this fall when they passed the entrance examination for Greenville Technical College and enrolled in classes. The students, who range in age from 34 to 62, were all displaced from their former jobs as a result of downsizing or global outsourcing.  A state agency known as SC Works referred them to Greenville Literacy to upgrade their reading and math skills before training for new careers in health care, office administration and advanced manufacturing.  The students will receive tuition assistance through a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. … (read more…)

Wan-Hsia, originally from Taiwan, came to Greenville Literacy Association with goals of improving her English and joining the workforce.  With a background degree in economics, she quickly excelled in the English as Second Language classes and was enrolled as the first official ESL WorkKeys student.  After several months of studying diligently, working on WIN software and one-on-one tutoring, Wan-Hsia was ready to take the WorkKeys test. This three-part assessment involves applied math, locating information and reading for information.  She earned a WorkKeys Silver Certificate this past March.  With this certificate she was able to enroll in the Goodwill Industries vocational training program, where she recently acquired a National Retail Foundation (NRF) … (read more…)

Former Downtown ABE students, Rhonda and Rene, dropped by the Downtown Learning Center recently to show off their newly acquired Medical Assistant degrees from Greenville Tech.  Rhonda and Rene, sisters, enrolled at Greenville Literacy in January 2010 with the goal of earning their GEDs and training for better paying jobs.  Both left school over 20 years earlier and confessed to having real doubts about their ability to master the GED material.  In the end, their close relationship made all the difference.  They competed, encouraged each other on, and refused to let each other give up on difficult subjects.  Later that spring, both took and passed the GED tests on the same day.  Now, two years later, Rhonda and Rene are looking forward to standing side by side in another graduation … (read more…)