Pima Community College Adult Education Family Literacy Project

MaryAnn Phininzy
101 W. Irvington Rd., Bldg. 7 Rm. 13
Tucson, AZ 85709-5640
520-741-7175
mphininzy@pima.edu

Family Literacy AmeriCorps will strengthen families through service, building a more literate community through the fundamental principle, “Teach the parent, reach the child.”

Vision:

Family Literacy AmeriCorps envisions a community where Members provide service in multiple sites throughout Pima County. AmeriCorps Members will fulfill the mission of building a more literate community by supporting individuals and families in developing their highest potential and breaking through the intergenerational cycle of poverty and low literacy.

History:

Family Literacy AmeriCorps was established in 1994 and soon became an instrumental component of the Family Literacy Program. In the inaugural year, eight AmeriCorps members were placed in five Family Literacy sites. Over the last twelve years, Family Literacy AmeriCorps has expanded into fifteen sites and has enrolled 123 AmeriCorps members currently serving in four Adult Education Learning Centers and eleven Family Literacy sites in the Sahuarita, Amphitheater, Sunnyside, and Tucson Unified School Districts.

Adult Education Classes:

For more than 30 years, Pima Community College Adult Education has played a major role inraising the education level of the community. Quality instruction and a dedicated staff have reached adults who need basic skills to succeed in higher education and advanced work training. Find Adult Education offerings at these Pima College Learning Centers:

• Eastside Learning Center: 520-881-5520
• El Pueblo LearningCenter: 520-889-9962
• El Rio Learning Center: 520-882-0940
• Lindsey Learning Center: 520-884-8628

Family Literacy Project:

In the Family Literacy Project, the entire family learns. Parents work toward earning a GED, speaking better English, getting job skills and improving parenting skills. They and their children participate in educational activities. Pima College works with the Amphitheater, Sunnyside and Tucson Unified School Districts and Child/Parent Centers, Inc. - Head Start at locations throughout Tucson. Contact the Family Literacy Program (520-741-7175) for more information.

Civics/Citizenship Program:

Immigrants prepare for citizenship and community involvement. Students register to vote and learn leadership skills and issues analysis. They get opportunities for extensive community involvement through student councils. Contact the Lindsey Learning Center (520-884-8628) for more information.

Project RAISE:

Adults with developmental disabilities take classes in basic reading and math, computer skills, art and creative movement. The Arizona Department of Economic Security refers potential students. Art students present public performances and exhibits. Contact the Eastside Learning Center (520-881-5520) for more information.

Refugee Education Project:

Refugees in over 12 language groups currently participate in English classes and participate in vocational opportunities. Pima College coordinates Southern Arizona refugee activities with the Arizona Department of Economic Security. Contact the Eastside Learning Center (520-881-5520) for more information.

Workers take basic skills classes that are tailored to the needs of specific employers. Classes are offered at employer sites. Contact the Lindsey Learning Center (520-884-8628) for more information.