“Literacy Network has helped me to get a GED, something I didn’t think I could get,” says Melisa in . Melisa, a single mother of three, initially dropped out of high school to care for her son and had attempted to earn her GED nearly a dozen times before finding success working regularly with a tutor at Literacy Network.
Melisa applied for college immediately after leaving Literacy Network and is excited about her future as a respiratory therapist. “Respiratory therapists are amazing people that’s added to the healthcare field,” says Melisa. “I can see myself in this career.” Melisa also identifies the important role respiratory therapists have played during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Respiratory therapists are front and center with COVID,” she explains.
“Advancing their career is one of our learners’ top goals in taking classes at Literacy Network,” says Executive Director Jeff Burkhart. “Research shows adult learners who complete at least 100 hours of adult education earn on average $9,751 more per year. Our programs provide long-term poverty reduction—adults in our programs gain skills vital to increases in earnings, increases in hours, more responsibility, promotions and better jobs.”
Melisa is on track to graduate in May of 2023. “Go follow your dreams,” says Melisa, “and don’t let not having a GED stop you.”