In the spirit of giving, BHP, a leading global resources company, has recognized the need to support adult learning in Arkansas. Recently, they awarded the Adult Learning Alliance $18,575 to support efforts in Conway, Faulkner, Van Buren, and White Counties, where they have operations.
In Conway County, they invested in technology to increase the council’s digital literacy capacity for both students and tutors. Students will be able to improve their workforce preparations with online job application and resume preparation, as well as engage in a new learning method to achieve gains in basic literacy. Tutors will also have greater access to resources and professional development opportunities.
An increase in students has necessitated acquiring additional curriculum to meet needs in reading, writing, and English language proficiency in Faulkner County. Funding for a new donor database will improve staff efficiency and resource and time management, as well as help Faulkner County increase their donors, donations, and donor retention.
Van Buren County needed new tables and chairs to provide a more comfortable environment conducive to learning. Funding for curriculum will enable the Council to provide all students with reading, math, and pre-GED texts, workbooks, and supplies, as well as tutors. The addition of more technology will help
dyslexic and learning challenged students increase the rate of progress and achievement in all subjects. In addition, the Council will be able to add a Basic Computer Literacy class to its curriculum offering, along with more computers.
White County has been a leader amongst the councils in offering services to students with dyslexic and learning challenges. This grant will allow the Council to provide a more interactive classroom with more regalia and think-kits for their ESL classes, and additional Barton levels to allow students to progress through the program to full literacy.
BHP’s generosity will allow each of these councils to continue to effectively meet the needs of their students, while offering additional services that would attract new students and meet the needs of the community.
The Adult Learning Alliance is grateful for this grant from BHP and their investment in helping our councils provide a foundation for adults who read below a fifth grade level, readying them to meet their personal goals — whatever they may be.