Youth Programs
Youth Programming at the Center for Literacy offers young adults between the ages of 17-21 the opportunity to improve their basic skills and work towards obtaining their GED, helping them to reach their goals of self-sufficiency. Educational opportunities tailored to this population include:
E3 (Education, Employment, Empowerment) Centers
CFL provides Literacy Coaches at the city's five E3 Centers. These coaches administer diagnostic assessments and provide individualized instruction to young adults reading below the 5th grade level. As learners make gains in reading, they become eligible for participation in GED classes that each E3 center offers.
Community Classes and Tutoring
Young adults can participate in our community classes to work towards obtaining their GED or receive one-on-one instruction from a volunteer tutor. Currently, CFL reserves two community classes for serving the young adult population. However, enrollment in classes and/or volunteer tutoring programs at many of our other sites throughout Philadelphia and Delaware Counties is also available.
Partnering Organization
CFL is also a partnering organization with other agencies that provide literacy services as part of a larger program that serves to assist students in becoming work or college ready. Two of these programs serve out-of-school youth (OSY) and the third serves in-school youth (ISY). They are:
Horizon House Education Plus Youth Program (OSY) - The focus of this program is to prepare students for college level reading and writing, particularly working with students who are in need of mental health and dependency services.
JEVS/Orleans Technical Institute (OSY) - The focus of this program is to provide basic skills and GED instruction to students who are enrolled in a trades training program.
GPUAC (ISY) - The focus of this program is to provide literacy instruction at an area high school to in-school youth who have learning disabilities.
Professional Development for Educators
In addition, CFL provides professional development to educators who are serving youth with low literacy levels. This professional development module is part of CFL's "Toolkit for Serving Out-of-School Youth with Low Literacy Levels." The toolkit can be purchased on publications page.
For questions related to CFL youth programs, please email Stephanie Korber, Program Director for Education Research and Development, at Korber@centerforliteracy.org.