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For Her Daughter: How Going Back to School Changed A Family's Future

Video Tells Inspirational Story of Ohio Mom Bridging Reading and Job Training with Adult Education to Build Better Lives


Tags: Article, Career & Workforce, Success Story, Higher Education, Corporate

An Ohio woman’s journey back to the classroom, setting her on a path for a better life, is profiled in a new video released by the Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE) and McGraw-Hill, a learning science company. The two education organizations teamed up as part of McGraw-Hill's work to empower adult learners to become career ready, and COABE’s campaign to raise visibility and bring more students back to the classroom.

Though Tyeishia had graduated from high school, her literacy level was too low to sustain more than a minimum wage job or to qualify for a job training program. She wanted a career she could be proud of and support herself and her young daughter. Tyeishia found NewBridge Cleveland Center for Arts & Technology, a learning center that provides free healthcare career training for adults. The center, in conjunction with the Parma City Schools Adult Education Program, offered no-charge tutoring so Tyeishia and others like her could qualify for and succeed in the job programs.

"I struggled with language skills and needed to brush up on math to pass the test," said Tyeishia, "Working with my tutor at NewBridge, I took multiple practice tests and studied really hard."

Tyeishia not only aced the workforce training and landed a new job, but at NewBridge, she also gained professional skills to help her succeed outside of the classroom. “The staff there worked with me on my resume and helped me build my confidence. I had the support of a network who all wanted to see me succeed.”

McGraw-Hill teamed up with COABE to share Tyeishia’s story to encourage more adults to come back to the classroom.

"I am inspired by Tyeishia’s story and drive to change her circumstances through education,” said Christine Willig, president of McGraw-Hill's K-12 group. "We are excited to team up with our friends at COABE to help share this amazing story."

The Commission on Adult Basic Education’s mission is to inspire students and educators to succeed and help communities thrive. An estimated 36 million adults in America struggle with low literacy levels.

"There are wonderful educators across the country helping students like Tyeishia every day,” said Sharon Bonney, executive director of COABE. “We want to see more funding for these programs, so that we can reach more adult students."

Tyeishia’s video was premiered today at the COABE National Conference in Dallas, held jointly with the Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education (TALAE), where nearly 2,000 gathered to advance and exchange best practices in adult basic education.

About McGraw-Hill

McGraw-Hill is a learning science company that delivers personalized learning experiences that help students, parents, educators and professionals drive results. McGraw-Hill has offices across North America, India, China, Europe, the Middle East and South America, and makes its learning solutions available in nearly 60 languages. Visit us at mheducation.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

About COABE

The Commission on Adult Basic Education inspires educators so adults succeed and communities thrive. The organization’s nearly 15,000 members promote best practices in adult education and literacy programs for basic reading and number skills, adult secondary education, family literacy, workforce development, English for speakers of other languages, and other essential skills. COABE teachers and administrators work in and manage local, state, federal, nonprofit and private programs across the nation. More information is available at www.COABE.org.

Media Contact:

Tiffany Eckelberg
McGraw-Hill
(646) 766-2434
tiffany.eckelberg@mheducation.com

Sharon Bonney
888-44-COABE
info@COABE.org
www.coabe.org