Literacy services of wisconsin proposes the implementation of the partnerships for access to credentials and training (pact) program

The Literacy Services of Wisconsin, Inc. (LSW) has been awarded a $900,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Second Chance Act Reentry Initiative (CFDA 16.812). The purpose of this grant is to implement the Partnerships for Access to Credentials and Training (PACT) program, which provides a comprehensive approach to adult education to address the needs of adults without secondary education credentials. The program aims to help participants attain high school equivalency credentials while also providing career-focused training to address workforce skills gaps. Key project activities include enrollment in adult education programming, employment coaching and training, and enrollment in Integrated Education and Training (IET) or post-secondary programs. Expected outcomes include increased literacy, high school equivalency credential attainment, job training, and IET or post-secondary enrollment, particularly for justice-involved individuals in southeastern Wisconsin. This grant award demonstrates LSW's commitment to providing holistic educational support and addressing barriers to employment for underserved populations.

The purpose is to provide a comprehensive approach to adult education that directly addresses the needs of adults without secondary education credentials, like a GED or a high school diploma, while concurrently providing career-centered preparation and skills that are universal to contemporary labor market and skills GAP conversations. Pact provides an important two-pronged opportunity: high school equivalency attainment for job security and advancement while simultaneously providing career-specific training that employers need to fill the gaps in the current workforce. Individuals who need additional skills or education credentials to enter the workforce are the intended beneficiaries of the project. Project activities include enrollment in adult education programming, employment coaching and training, and enrollment in integrated education and training (IET) or post-secondary programs. Expected outcomes include increased literacy, obtainment of high school equivalency credentials, job training, and IET or post-secondary enrollment. Literacy services of wisconsin (LSW) is a leading comprehensive adult education provider. Lsws programming supports justice-involved students who struggle with low literacy, need to complete a high school diploma, want to enroll in an integrated education and training program, or transition to post-secondary opportunities. LSW has approached corrections education with innovation and a commitment to providing quality programs that lead to high school completion and other supportive services while addressing barriers to employment in southeastern wisconsin. Justice-impacted individuals who participate in educational programs while incarcerated are 48 percent less likely to recidivate than those who do not. Improving adult literacy levels, providing community members with an educational catalyst towards overall health and social advancement, and increasing the pool of qualified individuals ready to advance in the local workforce has always been fundamental. LSW believes in a holistic approach to adult education. Every adult student is different, and all programming is interconnected and builds bridges for each students academic journey from start to end. LSW plans to coordinate additional wraparound services with program partners as we work together to provide a unique and intentional approach to reentry with education at the forefront of the model and the individual career goals of justice-involved participants as the benchmarks of success.