The BeLit Bulletin, August 2021
Hybrid Learning in Action
Combining in-person classroom instruction with online access and activities, hybrid learning is here to stay at BeLit. Thanks to grant funding from the city's Office of Children and Families, BeLit was recently able to install zoom rooms and the latest DTEN video conferencing equipment at all three of our campuses. By expanding accessibility through technology, we can help remove barriers to participation and engage our learners in transformative academic programs from anywhere in the city.
We've Brought an Affordable Associate's Degree Program to West Philly
BeLit has teamed up with Harcum College to address the primary barriers adults face when pursuing higher education: time, cost, skills, and culture. We are currently enrolling adults with a high school degree or equivalency into a 2-year Human Services Associate’s Degree program delivered onsite at BeLit's West Philly campus. Courses are conducted twice a week during evening hours with an accelerated curriculum that complements, rather than conflicts, with competing demands of work and family. Other benefits include:
  • Available scholarships and financial aid
  • No entrance test requirements
  • 1:1 counselor support from enrollment through graduation
Know anyone who may be interested in joining our fall cohort? We're hosting an information session tomorrow, Tuesday 8/3 at 5PM. Refreshments will be provided for those attending in-person at our West Philly Campus. Can't join us in-person? Participate virtually by following the Zoom link here:
  • Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89343066668?pwd=VXA
  • Zoom Meeting ID: 893 4306 6668
  • Zoom Password: BdAFg3

Can't attend? More information is available anytime by emailing Kieran at kfarrell@harcum.edu.
School Supply Season Is Here

Every year, BeLit equips our learners with free school supplies to support their education, whether they're working in the classroom or from home. Hosting a corporate volunteer school supply drive is an important way our community can connect with and rally around our striving students. With your help, we can give learners of all ages and stages the tools they need to succeed.

We are beyond grateful to our partners at Citizens Bank for their recent school supply donation drive to help our amazing adult learners flourish in their classes. Special thanks to Jessika Faulkner and her team for all of their support!

If you or your company would like to host a supply drive, please email info@beyondliteracy.org to receive information on how to help.
OUR LEARNER SPOTLIGHT:
Vernon Newsome, 35, Graduate

For recent BeLit grad Vernon Newsome, family is his inspiration and support system. “It felt amazing to send pictures to my mother and grandmother in my cap and gown,” he said.

Vernon grew up in West Philadelphia moving between various schools. After falling behind a grade level, he dropped out of high school. “I was not doing right, and that didn’t go well for me,” he said. In March 2018, Vernon found himself facing challenges that lead to incarceration, motivating him to rise above his circumstances and obtain his GED. 
While away, he began reading and taking classes, but was released before he could complete their academic program. At the encouragement of his family and friends, Vernon enrolled in our free classes right away. Vernon attended in-person until the pandemic forced him online. Fortunately, he had no trouble adjusting and completed his GED in only a few months. Vernon appreciated the support of BeLit's teachers and staff. “They will help you, but you have to work for it. It won’t happen until you really want change for yourself,” he said.

Since completing his GED, Vernon began working for the City of Philadelphia Sanitation Department in Northeast Philadelphia where he excels at his role. When he first arrived on the job, his teammates assumed he had transferred there from a different location due to his quick adaptability and strong work ethic.

Vernon is currently enrolled in night training classes to gain his Commercial Driver's License and will take his test on August 10th. His goal is to start fresh with his fiancé and baby in a new state where he can own and operate his own trucks. He is proud to set a positive example for his children who range from 1-year-old to 17. “Once you can put your family first, everything else will fall into place for you.”
Beyond Literacy, the largest adult education agency in Philadelphia, is the result of a recent merger between Center for Literacy and Community Learning Center. Our mission is to expand opportunities and improve lives by unleashing the power of literacy through free, high-quality education.