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SCLSNJ Awarded Grant From NJLWD For Fourth Year
About Blog Post
Jan 29, 2020
by Pressroom
For the fourth year, the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) has been awarded a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development's (NJLWD) Adult Literacy and Community Library Partnership grant program. The grant, in the amount of $58,411, will allow SCLSNJ to expand on their core services of promoting and supporting lifelong learning and creating opportunities that build the County’s economic and workforce development.
As of 2020, the Library System has been awarded a total of $266,896 over the four-year span, which has helped 174 Somerset County adults develop their literacy and workforce skills.
“SCLSNJ is grateful to be able to continue to build upon our core services with the support of Community Library Adult Literacy and Career Pathway Grant Program,” said Christal Blue, branch manager. “In 2020 we are tasked with serving at least 45 students in our classrooms. Classes will integrate customer service and retail industry fundamentals certification training with English language learning to make job seekers more attractive to area businesses.”
The grant program will offer summer English language learning and adult basic education courses when most area courses are not in session; computer based learning in neighborhood Library branches through mobile computer labs; and personalized resume assistance and connections to community resources.
“Our Libraries are prime locations for supporting lifelong learning opportunities for personal and professional growth by providing access to a variety of resources in a safe learning environment,” said Blue.
In addition to offering these courses, the Library System provides supplemental support services including job readiness skills such as interview skills and job search assistance; and basic computer skills in small group and one-on-one settings.
Classes will be sponsored by SCLSNJ in partnership with members of the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board's Literacy Committee. Classes are slated to begin in June. For more information contact Blue at cblue@sclibnj.org or call 908.458.8436.