Over the past three years, about 300 adults have enrolled in our programs. Almost all of them have met many of their personal, educational and employment goals. Some results:

• 120 advanced at least two grades
• 48 have completed high school and received a diploma, or GED
• 1 received the annual Mary Harshaw Outstanding Adult Learner Award
• 1 awarded a free semester at UDC by the State Education Agency for having the highest GED score; her photo appears on the back of Metro buses
• 49 became employed or advanced in their respective jobs
• 25 acquired basic or advanced computer skills
• 20 completed one or more of the personal and professional development classes
• 1 is helping organize a national adult literacy convention scheduled for 2004 in Washington, DC.

We are particularly proud of two of our graduates. They are examples that illustrate the power of education to transform the lives of marginalized people.

One graduate worked for 25 years at various jobs as an office temp. After receiving her high school diploma, the Department of Agriculture (DOA) hired her and they are now training her for a supervisory position. She also has become a leader in Voice for Adult Literacy United for Education (VALUE).

A second example is that of a man who, after graduating from the External Diploma Program, stayed involved with us by tutoring other adult learners. He volunteers on his off days from his regular job at Jiffy Lube.