This week the Illinois State Library spotlights the literacy program at Parkland College in Champaign.

At age 51, this adult learner had only completed the fourth grade due to frequent moves, unemployment, chronic back pain, and disappointment. She was matched with a tutor who helped her gain confidence as they worked to improve her reading and math skills in anticipation of taking the GED test. Sadly, the woman’s tutor died less than a year later. To honor her tutor’s memory, the student continued working on her own until being matched with another tutor.

The new tutor proved to be exactly the right person to help her work towards becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was remarkably tenacious and felt confident enough to enroll in Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes. Her reading scores have improved and she was invited to participate in a Bridge to Health Careers and Professions class. She has taken the GED practice test and scored very well on the reading portion. She no longer meets with her reading tutor but continues taking ABE classes and works with a math tutor. The woman successfully finished the Bridge to Health Careers and Professions class and looks forward to a much brighter future.