CNY Community Foundation Funds Workforce Literacy Initiative
November 2007
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse will launch a comprehensive workforce literacy project in Onondaga County with funding from a read ahead grant awarded by the CNY Community Foundation. The project is designed to cultivate competitive labor skills for unemployed and underemployed adults with low literacy skills, and offers a highly effective language training component that increases communications competency of limited-English speaking employees. “We truly appreciate the CNY Community Foundation’s support and commitment to help individuals improve their literacy skills and achieve economic self-sufficiency” said Donna Valerino, LVGS Executive Director, noting that economically self-sufficient individuals are empowered to face the challenges they encounter as they aspire to achieve their dreams. LVGS, in partnership with The WorkKeys Center at Syracuse University, will offer workforce development components for both English speaking and non-English speaking workers. The WorkKeys Center offers a complete spectrum of job analysis, skill assessment, instructional support and training services for employers, job seekers, and students. LVGS has 30+ years experience providing individualized English language instruction for speakers of other languages (ESOL). During the past year, LVGS has actively explored various workforce literacy models in efforts to adapt its ESOL literacy services to meet the changing demands of Syracuse’s growing multicultural workforce. Often, due to work schedules, childcare issues, and transportation barriers, immigrants and refugees are unable to participate in off-sight English language instruction. To eliminate these barriers, LVGS will offer language classes at the workplace, modeled after the highly successful Kent County Literacy Council Customized Workplace English workplace literacy program. Language lessons are adapted based on the needs of each worksite and offer mutual benefits for employees and the employers that utilize the program to help workers reach their full potential. Workplace literacy services will be provided on a fee-for-service basis. For more information on how your workplace can become involved, contact Donna Valerino at 471-1300 ext. 15.
