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Supported by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education
at the U.S. Department of Education
The Midlands Literacy Initiative
Highlights
Introduction
Background
The Midlands Literacy Initiative And Its Partners
Conclusion
Complete Profile (PDF, 443kb)
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HIGHLIGHTS

The Midlands Literacy Initiative (MLI)(now the Education, Jobs & Life Skills Community Council of the United Way of the Midlands) is a coalition of partnerships that provides literacy services to adults, families, and employers in the four-county Midlands area of South Carolina.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA MIDLANDS ...

  • The United Way of the Midlands provides a home, staff, and financial assistance for the Midlands Literacy Initiative (MLI).

  • Local businesses work with the MLI to design training to raise the literacy levels of their workforce.

  • School districts supply instructors, classroom space, and materials to MLI programs.

  • The Midlands One-Stop Center refers clients to adult education services and provides space and equipment for classes.

  • Community-based organizations, including churches, recruit learners and provide space for classes.

  • Philanthropic organizations and donors contribute funds and in-kind support.

AND WHY THEY WORK. . .

  • The United Way provides a "neutral forum" for the partners. This allowed them to overcome their concerns about turf and work together on a common issue.

  • The MLI is a "business-driven" effort. A strong business presence on the MLI board makes clear the link between education and work.

  • Early success built credibility for the MLI. Demonstrating early success and taking the time to gain credibility in the business community helped the MLI expand and get involved in developing state policy on adult education.

  • The MLI adapts to the needs of the community. The initiative has evolved from pre-employment training to workforce education to family literacy, as needs in the community change.