Department of Workforce Development
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| Wednesday, January 12, 2000 Governor Tommy G. Thompson Secretary Linda Stewart | News Media Contact Shawn Smith (608)-264-6810 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784 |
Wisconsin Literacy Group Receives Coveted Education Award
Literacy Volunteers of America-Chippewa Valley Receive National Recognition
from U.S. Department of Education
Madison-Governor Tommy G. Thompson today announced that a Chippewa Valley literacy group has been recognized as one of the nation’s top ten adult education and literacy programs – the first time a Wisconsin program has received such an honor. The Eau Claire- based group, Chippewa Valley Literacy Volunteers, received the recognition from the U.S. Department of Education, which awarded the group its coveted "Secretary’s Award for Outstanding Adult Education and Literacy Programs."
"I would like to personally congratulate the Chippewa Valley Literacy volunteers for reaching out to their neighbors, helping them to succeed in their daily lives. This is a true testament to the difference each of us can make if we take the time to reach out to one another," Governor Tommy G. Thompson said.
The "Secretary’s Awards for Outstanding Adult Education and Literacy Programs", established in 1985, recognize only 10 programs nationwide every year. Two nominations from each state are submitted for competition and then visited by evaluators who scrutinize program operations. A panel of national experts select the winners.
This is the first time any program from Wisconsin has won the award, which is awarded based on the program’s design, instruction, learning environment, and program outcomes. This is only the second literacy program in the award’s history to be recognized.
"Community based education initiatives, such as the Family Education programs of this outstanding organization, are the difference between a capable, educated workforce and a mediocre one. I cannot overstate the importance of literacy in a family’s ability to obtain and maintain viable employment," Secretary of the Department of Workforce Development Linda Stewart said.
The Department of Workforce Development recently awarded the Literacy Volunteers of America-Chippewa Valley a $50,000 grant to begin new efforts to promote family literacy among the low income population eligible for welfare services.
The Family Education programs offer adult basic education, early childhood education, parenting and employability classes and computer access and assistance. In total, the programs operated by the Literacy Volunteers in Chippewa Valley served 240 students in state fiscal year 1998. 177 tutors and other volunteers provided almost 7,500 hours of service to the students.
The award will be formally presented on February 21, 2000 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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