Lawson State Observes Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
Office of Public Relations
Birmingham, AL (09/20/2021) — Lawson State Community College joins in the nationwide observance of Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, which will be celebrated the week of September 19-25. Organized by the National Coalition for Literacy, this annual recognition focuses on the importance of simple math, writing, and reading to our communities.
"The National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week raises public awareness about the need for and value of adult education and family literacy," said Gwendolyn Ekundayo, director of Adult Education at Lawson State Community College. According to ProLiteracy, the leading membership organization advancing the cause of adult literacy and basic education in the nation, more than 43 million adults in the U.S. cannot read, write, or do basic math above a third-grade level. Furthermore, workers who have less than a high school diploma have the lowest median weekly earnings of about $592, which is three times less than the highest level of education.
"This constitutes a major and growing concern when so many adults are challenged and limited with basic literacy capabilities," said Ekundayo. "Therefore, our goal at Lawson State Community College is to continue to provide the information and services necessary for basic education programs for adults with low literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. Our commitment is to make a difference."
"Serving our students and community is a signature component of who we are at Lawson State Community College," said Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, president of Lawson State Community College. "We will continue our efforts to positively impact and curve the low levels in adult and family literacy by providing resources for upward mobility and community advancement."
The Adult Education Program at Lawson State offers numerous programs and services to aid adult learners. "Our Program provides services to individuals who need to earn a Non-Traditional High School Diploma or GED, participate in a literacy or basic skills preparation program, learn English as a Second Language (ESL), earn a certification through Career Pathways (Certified Nursing Assistant, Basic Construction, or Ready-to-Work), improve employability soft skills, or remediate to enter postsecondary education. Upon completion of the GED or Ready-to-Work an individual may earn four credits for each component to be used to enter college. That equates to two (2) college classes," said Ekundayo.
Lawson State has a number of activities planned throughout the week in celebration of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.
Lawson State Adult Education and Family Literacy Week Activities
Sunday, September 19: Telephone Conference (Sunday Morning Service 10:30 a.m.) Introduction to Adult Education and Family Literacy Week Moody Temple CME Church Fairfield, Alabama 425-436-6330 ACCESS CODE 660309
Monday, September 20: Press Release: Adult Education & Family Literacy Week
Tuesday, September 21: Book Give-A-Way Drive-Through Birmingham Campus Open Campus Storm Shelters for campus and community awareness Partners (Campus Police, College Library, and Birmingham Public Library Powderly Branch) 10:00 am - 12 Noon
Wednesday, September 22: Book Give-A-Way Drive-Through Bessemer Campus Partners (College Library, and Birmingham Public Library Powderly Branch) 11:00 am - 12 Noon
Thursday, September 23: Virtual Story Time Powderly Library Family Literacy Activity
6:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Storytime: https://lawsonstateedu.zoom.us/j/82959217722?pwd=cEhmb01kMC9oNjhjaFdUeWNqNGdLUT09 Meeting ID: 829 5921 7722
Passcode: 417145
Friday, September 24: Adult Education "A Student's Story" Social Media Post
Saturday, September 25: Adult Education "A Student's Story" Social Media Post