Grants Increase Access to Services in Local Communities

In Shelbyville, KY, Esmeralda Elias, 37, has her sights set on enrolling in college after successfully earning her GED certificate and advancing a full level in English. These milestones were possible because she had access to adult education classes, which almost didn’t happen.

The Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) Adult Education program stretches its budget to run programs across eight counties. As a result, there was no more money for JCTC to pay rent at St. James Episcopal Church to offer an English as a second language class in Shelbyville. Losing that would have been detrimental to the immigrant community there and was not an option JCTC would accept.

The program applied for and received a grant from our Literacy Opportunity Fund. Grants from this fund can be used for any general operating purposes

With the grant money, JCTC had the ability to pay rent and offer services at a location that is accessible to the local community and even draws students from surrounding counties. Eighty-four English language learners enrolled, prompting JCTC to add a second ESL class as well as a GED test prep class at St. James.

The flexibility and convenience of having both ESL and GED test prep classes on site prompted Esmeralda—who came to the US from Cuba looking for a better life for her and her children—to go after her high school credential. On March 23, 2024, she became the first English language learner from the St. James location to pass the GED tests.

When asked, Esmeralda said that having the option to attend classes at St. James was key to reaching her goals, which now include college.

“The site is in a central location, and it is welcoming for immigrants. I felt at home,” she said.

The Literacy Opportunity Fund is one of three grant programs we administer. We also award money for adult literacy and education programs to purchase print materials and digital learning platforms through our National Book Fund and Mobile Learning Fund.

Learn more about the grants of ProLiteracy