Lawson State Community College Focuses on Lighting the Future of Family Literacy

Special To The Times

Lawson State Community College’s Adult Education Program will celebrate Adult Education and Family Literacy Week with a three-day “Shine a Light on Your Future” campaign on September 16–18, which will celebrate adult learners, engage families and connect community members with free educational and career opportunities.

The campaign will highlight Lawson State’s continued efforts in adult and family literacy, including a $10,000 Adult Literacy Grant awarded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The grant will support Lawson State’s efforts to expand access to literacy services and provide adults and families with opportunities to strengthen foundational skills, pursue educational goals and create pathways to greater economic opportunity.

Adult Education and Family Literacy Week has been celebrated annually since 2009 and has been observed each September. The week aims to raise public awareness, secure resources, and promote access to education for adults in need of literacy, numeracy, and digital skills.

“Our goal is to use Adult Education and Family Literacy Week not only to celebrate our students, but also to reach adults and families who may not realize these opportunities are available to them at no cost,” said Charlette White, Director of Adult Education at Lawson State Community College.

“Literacy impacts the entire family. When we help a parent strengthen their English, improve their academic skills, earn a high school credential or prepare for a career, the impact can extend beyond that individual and into the home. We want families throughout our community to know that Lawson State Adult Education is here to help them take that next step.”

Over the course of the three-day campaign, there will be a series of activities that will focus on family engagement, student development and community outreach.

Wednesday, September 16 — ESL Family Literacy Night

ESL Family Literacy Night will bring English language learners and their families together for interactive activities designed to encourage parents and children to learn together while strengthening English language and literacy skills. ESL Family Literacy Night will take place on the Birmingham campus of Lawson State Community College (3060 Wilson Rd SW, Birmingham, AL 35221).

Thursday, September 17 — Adult Education Literacy Day

Adult Education students will participate in Adult Education Literacy Day, featuring interactive learning stations focused on digital literacy, math boosters and other practical skill-building activities. The activities will demonstrate how literacy extends beyond reading and writing to include the skills adults need to succeed in education, employment and everyday life. Literacy Day will also take place on the Birmingham campus (3060 Wilson Rd SW, Birmingham, AL 35221).

Friday, September 18 — Community Outreach at Oxmoor Elementary School

Lawson State Adult Education faculty and staff will welcome families at Oxmoor Elementary School during morning drop-off, connect with parents and share information about the College’s free Adult Education programs and services.

Throughout the three-day campaign, Lawson State will also incorporate the Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s recognizable yellow glasses, a visual symbol representing the importance of literacy and the opportunities it creates. The initiative will provide an opportunity to recognize the Foundation’s support while helping raise awareness of adult and family literacy needs throughout the communities Lawson State serves.

Free Educational and Career Opportunities

Lawson State Adult Education provides free educational and career-focused services designed to help adults reach their personal, academic and professional goals. Available opportunities include:

• English language instruction
• GED preparation
• High dchool diploma option
• WorkKeys preparation
• Digital literacy
• College transition services

For more information about Lawson State’s Adult Education program, please go to https://www.lawsonstate.​edu/learn_at_lawson/adult_​education/default.aspx