Corporate Social Responsibility Press Release
provided by 
11.27.2008 - 11:59pm ET
News from:
National Center for Family Literacy
National Center for Family Literacy receives $300,000 MetLife Foundation Grant to create Community College Initiatives
Project will help adult learners transition from GED to college degree
(CSRwire) LOUISVILLE, KY. - November 28, 2008 - The National Center for Family
Literacy announced today that MetLife Foundation has awarded it a $300,000
grant to create a partnership between family literacy programs and
community colleges.
The goal of the two-year project is to help provide a smooth transition
from literacy programs to higher education for adult learners.
Sharon Darling, NCFL president & founder, said the initiative is timely
for two reasons.
First, there are 34 million U.S. adults with such low literacy that they
have difficulty filling out a job application, reading a newspaper and
following a doctor's written instructions. Second, adults who don't have
strong literacy skills won’t be qualified to compete in a 21st century
economy – especially one that is in recession.
"The process of enrolling in college, considering financial options and
tackling course work can be daunting to an adult student who has just
obtained a GED credential and is most likely a first-generation college
student," Darling said. "We need a systematic approach for using community
colleges as a stepping stone for adult learners in family literacy
programs. A step-by-step approach, or continuum of learning, is needed so
adult learners won’t fall through the cracks. Instead, they can take
advantage of the nurturing environment of community colleges and achieve
economic security for their families."
The project will include: - Researching existing partnerships between
family literacy programs and community colleges;
- Identifying needs and best practices; and
- Developing a practical set of tools for programs, community colleges
and families, so they can help adult learners effectively navigate the
higher education system.
"MetLife Foundation is committed to opening
access and opportunity for education at all levels and across the
lifespan," said Sibyl Jacobson, president of MetLife Foundation. "We
recognize NCFL's success in increasing the academic achievement of both
parents and children. That's why we are pleased to help NCFL work
cooperatively with community colleges to encourage enrollment in higher
education, which is increasingly necessary for 21st century jobs and
economic security."
About NCFL:
The National Center for Family Literacy, founded in 1989, is the worldwide
leader in family literacy and has raised more than $100 million. More than
1 million families have made positive educational and economic gains as a
result of NCFL's work, which includes training more than 150,000 teachers
and thousands of volunteers. For more information, visit www.famlit.org.
About MetLife Foundation:
MetLife Foundation supports education, health, civic and cultural
organizations. It seeks to increase opportunities for young people to
succeed, give students and teachers a voice in improving education, create
connections among schools, colleges and communities, and develop
leadership. Its funding for education is informed by findings from the
annual MetLife Survey of the American Teacher. For more information, visit
www.metlife.org.
For more information please contact:
Carla Blanton, PR Director
National Center for Family Literacy
859-608-4850
502-584-1133 x 103
www.famlit.org
Sarah Faria
MetLife Foundation
401-827-3906
www.metlife.org
www.famlit.org
News Categories:
Philanthropy/Corporate Contributions and Academia
More National Center for Family Literacy news on CSRwire,
click here.
|
