LEARN Program

By Lauren Ella Nichols




Every day one program changes the lives of adolescent and adult students, helping them, step-by-step, get back onto the path of education. Twenty-one years ago the LEARN, which serves in the Adult Probation Department of the Superior Court in Pima County, was started. Since 1988, Program LEARN has served over 10,000 students. This year 40 students earned their GEDs, graduating on a warm summer evening in June.

LEARN stands for Literacy Education And Resource Network. It was established at the Intensive Probation Supervision office and then joined a pilot program started by the Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts to serve juvenile and adult probationers over 16 years old, as well as other adult community members.

With a phenomenal faculty and staff, this program has helped many people get a second chance at an education. The faculty and staff consist of Program Coordinator Deborah Tinajero and Instructor Rebecca Gray. Also, JoAnne Pope and Patsy Cowles work as education assistants and Brian Bloomfield, Shanon Easterday and Rob Druckenbrod teach the Cognitive Skills program.

These extraordinary staff members have guided and taught students to achieve their goal of getting their GED. Proud graduate Laura Salinas, who also spoke at graduation, shares her experience as a LEARN student and explains why the program is important.

Laura became involved with the LEARN program when she was laid off from her job for not having a GED. Although she had four certifications in the medical field and 16 years experience, they required her to have a GED or she could not come back to work.

“LEARN gives people a second chance to get their GED and to start over. It gives people individual attention and the way the teachers teach is amazing,” said Laura. “They do not want to just teach you the material, they make sure you understand. They treat you like an adult, with respect.”

Eighty percent of the students are court-referred. The LEARN program requires students to set goals and provides various academic and social skills that will help their reentry into the community. The classes emphasize improvement in literacy skills and earning a GED, as well as being trained in parenting, money management and cognitive skills.

LEARN is funded by many different programs. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, one of its three sites was closed in the past year and another site suffered a cutback in hours. LEARN relies on their volunteers who gave 255 hours of unpaid service last year.

LEARN is a big part in the community, helping people with a second chance,” said Laura. “It is helping the community become a better place.”