In the fiscal year 2008, Literacy Lubbock served 541 students who were active with at least twelve hours during the year.  From January 1st to December 31st, Literacy Lubbock enrolled 227 students. We exceeded our goal of a 5% student increase.  The number of tutors enrolled was 88 for the year. From January 1st to December 31st of 2007, the number of students active/enrolled was 614.  From January 1st to December 31st of 2008, the number of students active/enrolled was 593.  Although this represents a slight decrease of .03%, there was greater transition and briefer length of stay in the GED and ESL areas.  The goal of increase in student enrollment for the year 2009, as set by the Board and Staff of Literacy Lubbock, is 20%.

Of the students evaluated, all reported an improvement in reading, writing and speaking English and or a gain in a life skill that enabled them to function on a job and in society.  Some of the knowledge gains reported were the following:  27 students read their first book, 5 passed the GED exam, 26 read the newspaper for the first time, 54 were able to better read workplace materials, 68 raised their reading level, 233 increased their vocabulary,  218 increased their oral comprehension, 197 increased their written comprehension,  and 22 learned the alphabet.

Some of the life skills gains reported were the following: 15 students obtained work, 13  students got a better job, 4 students passed the citizenship test, 1 passed the English proficiency test, 1 passed the driver’s test, 34 advanced to other classes and training, 79 became more active in their community,  14 filled out an application form for the first time, 43 used the telephone book for the first time, 67 obtained a library card and checked out library materials for the first time, 56 handled life challenges more independently,  and 53 learners read to their children or grandchildren for the first time.

Background
The mean annual earnings of a high school dropout with a reading level below sixth grade are approximately $12,420 which represents the majority of our beginning basic education students.  This represents earnings of approximately $500,000 over a forty year working lifetime.  By contrast, the estimated work life earnings of a person with a high school diploma are $1, 167,000.

We empower individuals and families to move toward self sufficiency and transform lives permanently through adult literacy education.