Spring 2020
ALC’S XPLORATION PROGRAM RE-PURPOSES ITS 3D PRINTER TO SUPPLY HERO BANDS TO FRONT LINE WORKERS

The ALC’s Xploration program, led by STEM instructor Jeremy Griffus, engages students in learning that is hands-on, team-based, and grounded in scientific exploration.

Now that mission to design, create, and problem solve using critical thinking skills and teamwork is being used to create “Hero Bands” for health care workers, first responders, and essential employees, many of whom need to wear protective face masks for extended shifts. Hero Bands eliminate much of the discomfort when wearing a face mask for long hours, and are made by redeploying Xploration’s 3D printer, generously donated by Make It Labs in Nashua. 

Recipients of the Hero Bands are as close as Lowell General Hospital, Elliott Hospital, Southern NH Hospital, and The Huntington at Nashua, and as far away as Kaiser Permanente Hospital in California.

“A special thanks to Jeremy Griffus and  XPloration at the ALC for making over 80 cool HERO 3D printed mask bands for our healthcare staff! We truly appreciate the bands and all you are doing for medical professionals!”   - Parkland Medical Center, Derry NH
LEARNING AT CLEARWAY GOES THE DISTANCE

Clearway’s mission is to educate teenagers so that they learn to function effectively as adults. We do this by helping them improve academic and work skills, decision-making skills, and daily life skills. This personalized support has continued throughout the current pandemic. Says Carol Baldwin, ALC Executive Director, “we’ve had to think outside the box, go back to pencil and paper for some instruction, and protect and maintain the vital connection between our students and their teachers.”

Every Wednesday, Clearway staff members set up shop on the front lawn to provide students with assignments for the coming week. The students have a chance to talk with their teachers (at a safe social distance) and bring back the previous week’s assignments. Students are learning remotely as well, using Google Classroom for online lessons. 

According to Marianne Wiley, Program Director, “seeing our students in person provides a vital connection that goes well beyond homework assignments. For example, everyone is offered protective masks created by adult students at the ALC.”
MEET DIENABOU BALDE: ALC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT AND CURRENT NURSING STUDENT

ALC graduate Dienabou Balde received her HiSET (high school equivalency credential) last June and was awarded the ALC’s Carol Kreick Literacy Scholarship. She is now enrolled in the nursing program at Nashua Community College and has just received a second Carol Kreick scholarship to continue her studies.  

Dienabou Balde is originally from Guinea Conakry in West Africa: “I traveled to the United States of America in 2012 to join my husband. Suddenly, I found myself feeling like a newborn since I did not speak the language. However, with exceptional help and support from the teachers and everyone else at the Nashua ALC, I was able to obtain my HiSET diploma in June 2019.  Had it not been for the ALC, I would not be going to college today.” 
WE NEED YOUR HELP

Serving as a local, non-profit agency during the current pandemic has posed many logistical, operational and financial challenges. Revenue from programs such as Child Care and our after-school programs has evaporated. And our staff will need to continue to navigate and adjust to new learning protocols and realities. 

Please consider making a contribution to help us continue offering essential learning services so that no learner falls behind. It has always been through the generosity of our community that we have helped so many
Learn. Grow. Thrive.

Thank you!

  Please click the link below:

Adult Learning Center
Nashua, New Hampshire
www.nashuaalc.org