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SCLSNJ Receives $56,000+ Adult Literacy Grant from NJLWD
About Blog Post
Sep 22, 2017
by Pressroom
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJLWD) grant will teach literacy skills to Somerset County adults.
For the second 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 Adult Literacy and Community Library Partnership grant program. The $56,304 grant will pay for a program with the capacity to serve up to 85 adults.
According to the grant, ”Our economy is making an unprecedented transition into high-skilled, information-based industries. This has created a disconnect between the jobs that are being created and the current skills of many workers.” The ultimate goal of the program is to improve employment options for low-income individuals and English language learners.
SCLSNJ will offer a series of free 17-week courses designed to provide adult community members with English language learning instruction, basic computer education, and career readiness support. This multilevel course is designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced speakers.
“What makes our program special is that library staff will work closely with students to improve their career prospects,” said Christal Blue, branch manager at SCLSNJ's North Plainfield Memorial Library branch. “The library is a welcoming space for all Somerset County residents, and we have a wealth of resources that can be used to improve job prospects and strengthen the community.”
The Library will offer supplemental support services including: job readiness skills such as resume building, honing interviewing skills, and job search assistance; and basic computer skills in small group and one-on-one settings. The English language learning classes will be taught by the Jointure through traditional classroom instruction.
Classes are sponsored by SCLSNJ in partnership with the Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission, the Jointure, and the Franklin Township Board of Education.
Sessions will occur on Mondays and Wednesdays at the North Plainfield Memorial Library branch, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Manville Library branch. Class times and details for the first session are as follows:
- SCLSNJ’s North Plainfield Memorial Library branch Mondays and Wednesdays starting October 2, from 9:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., and 6:15-8:45 p.m. There are no classes scheduled on December 4, 25, and 27; or January 1, 2018.
- SCLSNJ’s Manville Library branch Tuesdays and Thursdays starting October 3, from 9:30 a.m. - noon. There are no classes scheduled on November 23 or December 26-28.