Faith Leaders Breakfast Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Philaliteracy.orgphila.gov/faithbased

Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Reverend Malcolm ByrdDirector, Mayor’s Office of Faith Based Initiatives

• Leslie StilesChair, Mayor’s Commission on Literacy

https://vimeo.com/87115504

View The Commission’s video about adult literacy in Philadelphia at:

https://vimeo.com/87115504

Dr. Judith Renyi Executive Director, The Commission

• 36 million U.S. adults need adult education to get a job, keep a job, or advance in a career, but all public sources only provide a seat in a classroom for just over 2 million.

• In Philadelphia, just over 4,000 publicly-funded seats are available for adult learners. The need is for 400,000 seats.

• Commission launched myPLACE in Feb. 2014

Commission launched myPLACE in Feb. 2014

myPLACE Campuses & myPLACE Online: Philadelphia Literacy and Adult Career Education

myPLACE Online Classes are at Intermediate Levels and Contextualized for 3 of our Region’s

Most Important Industries

HEALTHCARE

MANUFACTURING

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

We use technology as a learning tool, and accelerate our adult learners online

This learner placed at 4th-5th grade reading level prior to enrollment

“I started the myPLACE program, now I know how important having computer skills are. I am now able to do an online reading and writing course…. The skills I am acquiring in this class will be of great value to me in the future. My thirst for knowledge is so great now, and I think that is a wonderful thing!”

-Audrey, age 52, myPLACE Online Student

Philaliteracy.org

The data says it all: Philadelphia’s Workforce is at

Intermediate Levels • People are hungry for work, and come to literacy

classes when they know they need to improve their education levels and skills

• 9% test at lowest levels in reading and 23% test at lowest levels in math (1st-3rd grade)

• 67% test at intermediate reading and math (4th-8th grade)

• 2/3 are women

Investing in Adult Education Pays Campaign

Ways to Invest in Adult Education• Share our Message • Donate or solicit contributions • Start an adult education program• Provide space for classes or a computer lab for

learners to study • Join the Philadelphia Adult Literacy Alliance • Volunteer individually or as a group

Philaliteracy.org

Our Partners are EssentialDr. Naomie Nyanungo, Assistant Director,

Adult Literacy Programs

• MCOL Partners http://batchgeo.com/map/9d6c708f2fd94f90736de3884f181824

• Professional Development & Volunteer Trainings

• Philadelphia Adult Literacy Alliance

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We Want to Hear from You1. Think about the community of individuals, clients, or congregants

you know or work with. What type of needs do you have for adult education services?

2. How does your organization identify dedicated and talented individuals who can help others?

3. What types of services does your organization already have in place to help adults get the education they need to qualify for good jobs?

4. Based on what you learned today, how can The Commission help you improve adult literacy in your community?

5. How can you or your organization invest in adult education? 6. With whom should The Commission follow up to continue this

discussion?

Philaliteracy.org

Thank You

Philaliteracy.orgphila.gov/faithbased