This week, the Illinois State Library spotlights: Danville Area Community College.

Education was not important to this learner when he was growing up. He dropped out of school in the 7th grade and eventually worked as an irrigation technician for a golf course in Texas while raising a family.

When he moved back to Illinois, the man decided to take the GED test to obtain a better job. When he began working with a tutor and participating in classes, he had difficulty with math homework. Every day he worked with a tutor for one to two hours. All of his tutors agree he is an amazing student. After much tutoring and encouragement, the man passed the GED test on his second try. He is eager to return to the workforce.

This week the Illinois State Library spotlights Association House of Chicago.

A mother and daughter began attending literacy classes at the Association’s El Cuarto Ano Family Literacy Program. When classes began, the daughter was unable to communicate with words. Instead, she would grunt, cry, or nod her head. Naturally, her ability to socialize with other children was reduced. While her mother worked toward completing her high school education, she worked on her communication skills. The mother helped her daughter as she became more aware of her expected developmental progress.

By the end of the school year, the daughter began to communicate through simple sentences, grew socially and emotionally, and began to play with other children. The family was introduced to the local public library and now uses the library as a valuable resource. The mother obtained her high school diploma, and was accepted to college where she began attending classes this past fall.