Program areas at The Learning Center House of Connections
The Learning Center provides four core classes: Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), Spanish Literacy, and Intensive High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation classes. Instruction is provided by Malcolm X College instructors, TLC instructors, AmeriCorps members and volunteer tutors. The Malcolm X instructor salaries estimated at $54,805.76 were provided at no cost to TLC. TLC served 144 adult learners during FY 2023-2024. Included in our core programming were: a. Special reading/writing workshops, b. Health Literacy Project, C. Academic textbooks and workbooks, d. School supplies, e. Computer devices and internet access.
To further support our literacy program and adult learners, TLC offered support services which included: a. GED and HISET test fees - Five (5) received their High School Equivalency Certificate. b. Educational and cultural field trips throughout the City of Chicago - 45% of our students attended these field trips. c. Public transportation assistance - TLC distributed 400 emergency transit cards to our students. d. Daily nutritious breakfasts and lunches - We served about 165 meals/week during FY 2023-2024. e. Mental health counseling - Available to students on a weekly basis by a licensed clinician from Saint Anthony Hospital. f. One-on-one or small group tutoring - Twenty-five (25) dedicated volunteer tutors provided 1,284.14 hours of supplemental instruction. At $30.97 per volunteer hour for Illinois, the total dollar value contributed by TLC literacy volunteers was $36,769.82. g. Food assistance program - 76 of our students received monthly produce boxes from Forty Acres Fresh Market.
In addition to our core programming, TLC provides a Computer Literacy Program using computer-assisted instruction and broadband service. Many educational computer programs are available online, such as Read Naturally Live, Burlington English, and Learning Upgrade. 100% of our students participated in our computer literacy program which helped them improve in areas of: a. fluency b. comprehension c. critical thinking d. writing proficiency e. basic computer skills.