UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. —The Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy's Career Pathways Program in the Penn State College of Education received a grant of $543,701 supporting its work in Clinton, Centre and Lycoming counties. The grant, announced by the state Department of Education, is one of 32 awards disbursing $22 million in state and federal funds to organizations across Pennsylvania to increase and improve services for adult learners and their families.
"Learning should be a lifetime endeavor; and by strengthening the collaboration between federal, state and local entities, we can ensure more Pennsylvanians of all ages have access to education and training programs that can help them find meaningful employment, improve the economic outlook for their families, and help them be better parents and community members," Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera said.
The Adult Basic Education Grant Program is aligned to the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Pennsylvania's Adult and Family Literacy Education Act. Its purpose is to establish partnerships among the federal government, states, and local agencies to provide adult education and literacy activities to:
- Assist adults in developing literacy and other skills necessary for employment and economic self-sufficiency.
- Assist adults who are parents or family members to develop skills needed to contribute in the educational development of their children and lead to sustainable improvement in the economic opportunities for their family.
- Assist adults in attaining a secondary school diploma and transition to postsecondary education and training, including through career pathways.
- Assist immigrants and other English language learners in improving reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills in English; in improving math skills; and understanding the American system of government, individual freedom, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
Among the recipients are school districts, intermediate units, community colleges, and public and private nonprofit agencies. The recipients were selected through a competitive grant process, and geographically dispersed across Pennsylvania to ensure services are available to residents throughout the state. A list of the 2018 recipients can be found on the state Department of Education website.
Career Pathways offers adult learners free and individualized educational services in Clinton, Centre and Lycoming counties in Pennsylvania, to help them realize education and employment goals. The program provides instruction in basic reading, writing, math and digital literacy, as well as English language development. Participants also can work on a high school equivalency diploma and build skills for college and career readiness. Learners must be at least 17 years old and a legal resident of Pennsylvania with a college- or career-related goal.
For more information about the Career Pathways Program, visit https://ed.psu.edu/isal/career-pathways-program or contact Mike Vail at mjv15@psu.edu or 814-867-1405.