The Learning Center @ Turning the TIDE

Program Overview

The Learning Center @ Turning the TIDE offers digital literacy and basic education courses for individuals (youth and adults) as well as for families (i.e., parent and time child time). Our basic computer courses for adults are intended to help them gain the technical skills necessary to become more competitive in the job market and to assist them in becoming more self-sufficient in today's tech-savvy environment. Our computer courses include introductions to Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Leveraging its technology center, The Learning Center also offers virtual and in-person Homework Help hours to K-12 students.

In the Fall of 2018, The Learning Center introduced its adult literacy program, which offers basic reading, reading comprehension, and math coursework for adult learners, utilizing one-on-one instruction. More recently, we have implemented a family literacy program called Time Together. Time Together is facilitated by Turning the TIDE staff members and provides neighborhood parents and their children with opportunities to bond over reading, crafts, and engaging learning activities.

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Tiffany is a student in her mid-twenties who recently joined our basic adult learning course. Most of the students in her learning cohort were practicing English language and math skills with the goal of passing the GED exam. Tiffany's goal was very different - but just as specific. When asked why she'd enrolled in the adult literacy course at Turning the TIDE, she responded "All I hope to do is read a bedtime story to my three-year-old when she asks." For the next few months, Tiffany did just that. With the help of her instructor, Rochelle, she focused on being able to read her son's favorite picture book to him, fluently and with expression.