It was just a simple flier that came in the mail. But sometimes that’s how good things start. Simply.
Mary Sullivan Scanlon is the director of human resources at B.A. Ballou, a 135-year-old precious metal, findings and jewelry manufacturer based in East Providence. She got the flier.
It referred to “distance learning.” It mentioned GED and basic adult education classes. It seemed like something worthwhile. Scanlon tacked it to a bulletin board.
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There was a number to call.
The fliers are going up in companies throughout the state. And when folks call for information they get Angela Salvadore, a distance-learning teacher and outreach coordinator for Rhode Island Distance Learning.
Rhode Island Distance Learning is one of those state agencies that goes about its business quietly, not generating headlines. It’s funded through federal grants and run out of the state Department of Education. Its mission is simple – to make it easier for people to restart their education.
“We’re targeting anyone who wants to improve their literacy skills,” said Salvadore. “Especially in the workplace.”
Salvadore said the program is gaining momentum. Typically, she calls a human resource director and asks them to post a flier on a company bulletin board. If people respond, Salvadore will go into the company and explain the program.
She will explain about the opportunities to improve basic reading and math skills, to pursue a GED, to qualify for job training and certificate programs or to prepare for college placement tests. She will explain that the courses can be taken from home or some other site and that, maybe best of all, they’re free.
And once an individual is enrolled, Salvadore or one of the other teachers will check in with them on a regular basis, either by telephone or e-mail.
Robert Mason, state director of Rhode Island Adult Education, is excited about this distance-learning component of adult education. Last year, between 500 and 600 people took part in classes, he said.
“We’re trying to increase access to adult-education programs … 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Mason.
What Mason and Salvadore would really like to see is greater participation among small companies.
“That’s who we are targeting,” said Mason.
They deliver the message that adult learning is, simply put, good for business.
“Productivity improves when someone feels better about themselves,” said Salvadore.
Again, a simple formula. But too many companies – maybe yours – are missing the opportunity. Mason points to a study released recently by a national Chamber of Commerce organization. It found that companies with 15 or fewer workers were not participating in distance-learning programs at anywhere near the same rate as larger businesses.
It’s too bad, because for a lot of people distance learning is the most feasible way to continue their education. We are seeing it at mainstream colleges and in specialized management-training certificate programs.
Mason and others see distance learning as a natural fit for adult-literacy programs.
“We are always trying to figure out how to best deliver this product and provide people with opportunities,” he said.
At B.A. Ballou, time will tell just how much good will come out of Mary Sullivan Scanlon’s decision to put that flier on the bulletin board. But chances are, for some individual, maybe for several people, that simple act may change their lives.
“We were all given opportunities somewhere along the way,” she said. “That’s how we got into the positions we are in.”
She’s right.
Basic literacy or math or computer skills may not seem such a big deal. Human nature causes us to take such things for granted. But when you don’t have those skills and you’re trying to get a job or move up the ladder a rung at the company you’re working at now, they’re a real big deal.
“An insignificant opportunity for you or I might be a great one for someone else,” said Sullivan Scanlon. “It’s all about planting seeds in people. The more knowledge a person has, the better equipped they are to deal with everything in life.”
If you think your business would be interested in promoting a Rhode Island Distance Learning program, contact Angela Salvadore at 734-3156.
Individuals are also encouraged to call one of the centers closest to them for more information: Washington County Adult Learning Center, Wakefield at 783-0293; Warwick Adult Learning Center at 734-3156; Cranston Adult Education at 270-8166 or in the northern part of the state, Project Learn at 769-4200.
