Established in November 2004, the Community Learning Center offers an accessible learning environment for adults interested in learning English as a Second Language and youth studying to take the GED.
Adult Program: To pursue English classes in the Community Learning Center, students must be enrolled in one of our intensive programs and working with a SE Works personal advocate. After your advocate refers you to the CLC, the first step is meeting with the Literacy Services Coordinator. This staff member will assess your levels and work with you to create an individualized learning plan based on your goals and match you with a volunteer tutor. Tutors meet weekly with students, individually or in small groups.
Youth Program: In 2006 the GED program at SE Works was designated an Alternative Education Option with Portland Public Schools. Our mission is to provide GED instruction, career exploration and a broad support system so that all students have the ability to reach their career, educational and life goals and are empowered to positively impact their community.
Students must attend both a Youth Orientation and an information session about the GED class. After you've attended these two sessions and taken your pre-tests, you will be placed on the waiting list for the evening Tutoring Labs. Students attend Tutoring Labs twice per week to increase their skills and demonstrate their commitment to their education. Students then move into the day class based on three things: attendance, behavior, and academic readiness.
Once in the GED preparation class, you will study for your GED tests in an interactive setting. You'll attend classes Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and meet one hour per week with an individual tutor. You may also participate in employment and leadership development activities outside of class.
The focus of the program is not just earning a GED; while in the program you'll be setting goals for your future career. We'll also help you to register and begin taking college classes. In no time at all, you'll be on your way to a great future!
Volunteer Program: Volunteer tutors are key to our success. They provide individual instruction to adults learning English as a Second Language and to youth who are studying for the GED. Last program year (July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008), 99 volunteers provided 2,292 hours of service to 206 students!
Our Volunteer Program is supported by a full-time AmeriCorps member through the Oregon State Service Corps and a part-time AmeriCorps member through the LINKS program.
If you would like to become a volunteer tutor, please contact Julia Martin at (503) 772-2341.
- The Community Learning Center is made possible thanks to generous support from:
- Worksystems, Inc.
- Portland Public Schools
- City of Portland Bureau of Housing and Community Development
- Wal-Mart
- Oregon State Service Corps
- The Clara Barton VISTA Corps
- AmeriCorps LINKS
Representatives from the East Portland Chamber of Commerce join SE Works' Board Chair and Executive Director for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the Community Learning Center's grand opening in 2004.