CSR Press Release

LOUISVILLE, KY. - November 28, 2008 - The National Center for Family Literacy announced today that MetLife Foundation has awarded it a $300,000 grant to create a partnership between family literacy programs and community colleges.

The goal of the two-year project is to help provide a smooth transition from literacy programs to higher education for adult learners.
Sharon Darling, NCFL president & founder, said the initiative is timely for two reasons.

First, there are 34 million U.S. adults with such low literacy that they have difficulty filling out a job application, reading a newspaper and following a doctor's written instructions. Second, adults who don't have strong literacy skills won’t be qualified to compete in a 21st century economy – especially one that is in recession.

"The process of enrolling in college, considering financial options and tackling course work can be daunting to an adult student who has just obtained a GED credential and is most likely a first-generation college student," Darling said. "We need a systematic approach for using community colleges as a stepping stone for adult learners in family literacy programs. A step-by-step approach, or continuum of learning, is needed so adult learners won’t fall through the cracks. Instead, they can take advantage of the nurturing environment of community colleges and achieve economic security for their families."

The project will include:

• Researching existing partnerships between family literacy programs and community colleges;
  
• Identifying needs and best practices; and
  
• Developing a practical set of tools for programs, community colleges and families, so they can help adult learners effectively navigate the higher education system.

"MetLife Foundation is committed to opening access and opportunity for education at all levels and across the lifespan," said Sibyl Jacobson, president of MetLife Foundation. "We recognize NCFL's success in increasing the academic achievement of both parents and children. That's why we are pleased to help NCFL work cooperatively with community colleges to encourage enrollment in higher education, which is increasingly necessary for 21st century jobs and economic security."

About NCFL:
The National Center for Family Literacy, founded in 1989, is the worldwide leader in family literacy and has raised more than $100 million. More than 1 million families have made positive educational and economic gains as a result of NCFL's work, which includes training more than 150,000 teachers and thousands of volunteers. For more information, visit www.famlit.org.

About MetLife Foundation:
MetLife Foundation supports education, health, civic and cultural organizations. It seeks to increase opportunities for young people to succeed, give students and teachers a voice in improving education, create connections among schools, colleges and communities, and develop leadership. Its funding for education is informed by findings from the annual MetLife Survey of the American Teacher. For more information, visit www.metlife.org.

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For more from this organization:

National Center for Family Literacy