L awrence E ducation C enter

Since 1977, L awrence E ducation C enter has been providing education and training to Springfield and the surrounding communities. LEC programs serve students who are 16 years of age and older, who are no longer in the k-12 system, who return to school to complete high school or the equivalent, improve literacy and numeracy skills, and/or to learn English as a Second Language.

WHAT makes LEC unique? We are centrally located in Springfield, funded by the Illinois Community College Board System along with the Springfield Public School District and served by the Springfield Mass Transit District. LEC utilizes an open entry program, to accommodate a student at any point in his/her academic year for training and or graduation. Our staff, on-site tutors, and adult education counselor, along with referrals to social service agencies assist students to overcome barriers to learning. We offer a small individualized learning environment which is self-paced, safe and comfortable.

LEC Graduation 5 Year Data YearTotal To Graduate High School Adult Diploma GED

Prepare Youth To Work at LEC PYTW is funded through the Workforce Investment Board Illinois Workforce Alliance which provides job preparation skills for year olds who need more in- depth instruction on career pathways, interview techniques and resume writing. Internships are provided for students who have reached the level of job-readiness and are held at sites of business, social service organizations, and governmental agencies. FY internship hours FY internship hours FY internship hours

PYTW Grant DATA  Program Year 2014 Program outcomes are measured by the following:  Attain degree or certificate  Placed in employment/education  Literacy and Numeracy gains  “Exceeded” two of the three measures  “Met” the 3 rd measure This year, 136 Workshops have been presented that include invited speakers, education fairs and group meetings. Community Service is a vital component of the program. Students volunteered for Foundation Grant Programs and Habitat for Humanity projects.

In our and partnership 60+ students were identified 30 enrolled Students were referred to Wrap-Around Services 26 Camp & Workforce Development participants 86% received work readiness skills and completed an Industry Recognized Credential High School Diploma program or GED at LEC including the following: Sanitation Class/Food HandlerCNA Forklift trainingTrade School Computer LiteracyHVAC Customer ServicePost-Secondary Students also participated in Community Service/Restorative Justice Projects Including: Hazel Dell Garden clean-up, Enos Park “Cop” house, Helping Hands “Orphanage House”, and Habitat for Humanity/ReStore Working Together, Combining Resources to assist students to be prepared for work Springfield Urban League Partnership Urban Youth Empowerment Program Works UYEP engages youth for entry into the workforce

Three Goals of the Camp were to develop the areas of: Work Readiness, Soft Skills and Education Effective Communication Parenting Managing Anger Dress for Success Time ManagementRemoving Barriers Financial ResponsibilityFinancial Literacy Employment BarriersSubstance Abuse Financial AccountabilityBanking Basics Improving Credit ScoresOvercoming Bad Habits Resumes/Cover LettersInterview Skills Ended each 4 week session with a Celebration Ceremony LEC & UYEP Workforce Development Camp Topics

SLP with Illinois State Library Literacy Office (Secretary Of State) grant money provides trained tutors to students 18+ years old, who are enrolled in programs at LEC and to individuals needing beginning literacy skills. Tutors who volunteer for this program receive 15 hours of training prior to being matched with a student who needs extra help in reading, math, and ESL. The Literacy program has established 14 sites within the Springfield community, with LEC being one of them. The one-to-one tutoring is the support that many low literacy learners need to improve from Adult Basic Education to GED prep or speak the English language. Springfield Literacy Project Fishes and Loaves

Students are referred to the SLP Fishes and Loaves Literacy Program to improve literacy. The staff in the SLP program matched over 25volunteer tutors with 62 learners at LEC. Students work a minimum of 6 hours with tutor volunteers. 40% have transitioned to LEC programs. Volunteer Tutors also support students in numeracy (Math) skills to prepare for the GED test. Fishes and Loaves Programs at LEC

Thank you Questions Lawrence Education Center