First Literacy Awarded $200,000 Grant
BOSTON, MA – First Literacy is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $200,000 grant from a local charitable foundation. The grant will enable First Literacy to continue its impactful work making education accessible by funding innovative projects geared to teaching adults essential skills, awarding scholarships to adult learners continuing to higher education, and providing free evidence-based training and materials for Adult Basic Education teachers.
“We are thrilled to be awarded the $200,000 grant,” said Terry Witherell, Executive Director. “We are truly grateful for the continued support.”
With the grant, First Literacy plans to increase the types of support offered to First Literacy scholars. This includes hiring a new Scholar Support person to advocate for First Literacy scholars and connect them to the resources they need to succeed.
Since the Scholarship Program began in 1990, First Literacy has awarded nearly 600 scholarships to adult learners throughout Massachusetts. Awards are given in recognition of educational achievements and potential, community service, and perseverance in the face of hardship. Eligibility is based on a nomination from the student’s Adult Basic Education program, acceptance to a college or training program, and proof of financial need.
The grant also will allow First Literacy to continue to provide more free professional development workshops to adult educators and fund more innovative Adult Basic Education programs, positively impacting even more adult learners throughout Massachusetts.
“First Literacy grant applications more than doubled from last year,” said Bryan McCormick, First Literacy Program Director. “There are a lot of creative programs and projects waiting to be funded in the field of adult literacy and the $200,000 grant will make it possible to award even more First Literacy grants.”
Recent data from the Coalition on Adult Basic Education shows that funding for adult education programs has declined in the past ten years. Only $590 in federal funds are allocated per adult learner, which are also those with the most barriers to employment and literacy. This amount is stark when compared to roughly $10,000 per pupil for elementary education.