Grant will be used to provide adult literacy, education classes and career pathway services

SBLC, a community-based nonprofit providing adults functional literacy, life skills training and career preparation services, has been awarded a $420,000 grant by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

This is the largest program grant ever received by SBLC and will be used to provide adult literacy and education classes, career pathway and planning, and professional development for the nonprofit.

The grant is being announced just before the start of Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, September 24-30, a national initiative that raises public awareness about the need for and value of adult education and family literacy.

"We are so grateful for the Weinberg Foundation's support and confidence in our work to help adults secure a high school diploma and to provide learners with career pathway opportunities," said Tanya Terrell, executive director of SBLC.

The majority of the grant will be used to start a remedial bridge pilot program this fall at the Regional Skills Training Center (RSTC) in the Park Heights community. This facility already houses three workforce training programs including anchor tenant JARC (Jane Addams Resource Corporation; focuses on manufacturing), MCAT (Maryland Center for Arts and Technology, focuses on nursing) and Jump Start (focusing on construction).

Learners in this new SBLC program will work toward a high school diploma while also pursuing an industry-recognized credential that is career focused and aligns with in-demand industry needs related to manufacturing, nursing or construction. In addition, the program will help learners access technical training programs, including digital literacy skills.

SBLC will provide up to six classes at RSTC in three 12-week sessions at ABE level (second to fourth grade) and at GED level (ninth to twelfth grade). In addition, the program would facilitate a pathway to a high school diploma incorporating Common Core, GED and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) standards that will increase proficiency.

The need to increase basic literacy skills is great in Baltimore. JARC, for example, estimates that 65 percent of its prospective students are not eligible for their Fundamentals Program because of a lack of basic work readiness skills. Through the classes offered, SBLC will assist JARC and the other programs at RSTC with instruction for career readiness.

The grant will also enable additional professional development opportunities for SBLC staff including in-service trainings and presentations as well as attending conferences to meet peers to learn best practices in workforce-based remedial education models.

For nearly 30 years, SBLC has provided a supportive, rigorous and transformative education to adults of all ages and backgrounds who are eager to learn, motivated to succeed and committed to making a difference in their lives and in the lives of others. Students may pursue the GED program or National External Diploma Program. When a student completes either program, he/she receives a Maryland State High School Diploma. For more information, visit southbaltimorelearns.org.