In 2010, when Learn to Read, a local nonprofit serving very low-literacy adults, was on the verge of becoming defunct, JPL offered office space in its Main Library alongside CAL and a partnership blossomed. Simultaneously, 23,000 new jobs were being created in Northeast Florida. With many adults lacking the basic education to qualify for these jobs, CAL could now fill the need that had arisen for pre-GED/GED classes with a workforce development component.

With a revitalized LTR now able to serve lower literacy students, CAL has begun focusing on pre- GED/GED classes, which are offered to 600 students annually at four libraries and out in the community where socio-economic levels are the lowest. CAL offers classes in all four subject areas of the GED test in nine week sessions. At the end of each session students take the “GED Ready” practice test, with the fee paid by JPL.

In the past year the GED® classes have produced 16 GED® graduates. Sarah is a typical success story: She completed the GED® program and is now enrolled in Florida State College at Jacksonville in the CNA program. With her new GED® she was also able to obtain a job at Baptist Hospital. She says that without CAL’s help she would not have been able to take these significant steps towards achieving her goals.