Learning Lab Blog

As we get reacy for Lunch for Literacy tomorrow, I am reminded just how relevant and personal this fight against illiteracy is.  A literate population is always a critical first step to a healthy and prosperous community and now with our current economy, it rings more true than ever. Yes, Learning Lab prepares willing and eager people for our local workforce and helps these people get a job so they can be self sufficient. But the human impact is so much larger than that.    

These are adults who want to improve their lives. They are not helpless or dumb. They are looking for something better and they look to Learning Lab as that path forward. They want to be able to read to their children before bed. They seek to be able to do simple things like pay bills correctly or accurately read the label on medications for their family. These people want to be able to help their kids with homework so the torch of illiteracy will not be passed down from generation to generation. Our mission is more than simply helping these people secure a  job in a horrible economy.  Together with your support, we can help them seek out a better life.    

By donating to the Learning Lab (whether it is your time or your funds) you are guiding willing people to self sufficiency.  And without the Learning Lab’s open doors, these people might not have any place to go for help. I am impressed by the passion of the people who support the Learning Lab and the wonderful things they do for our community and its people.  If you are able, please consider donating and learning about more ways you can help.

See you tomorrow!

Jamee Cooper
Drake Cooper and Learning Lab Board of Directors

A message from our Presenting Sponsor, Joel Hickman - President, KeyBank of Idaho

    If you know me, you know I’m the proud parent of two great daughters. When my daughters were younger, one of the great pleasures was being able to read them bedtime stories, yet, the real truth was Marianne, my wife, was better at it than me.

    Unfortunately, not every parent in our state is able to take part in what for many of us is a simple, yet essential, part of parenthood.  That’s because 11% of Idaho residents lack basic literacy skills. 

    As an active member of our community, that statistic bothers me.  As a parent who read to his children, that statistic saddens me. But now, as a parent of two grown daughters who are succeeding in life, it concerns me when I hear of children not getting the same opportunities to grow.

    The Learning Lab is doing something about it.  The Learning Lab is tackling adult, family and child illiteracy head on.  Each year, over 300 students are enrolled in one of Learning Lab’s literacy classes.  From GED preparation to providing workplace skills to preschool programs, Learning Lab is making a difference.

    And, you can too. I’d like to invite you to join the Learning Lab and KeyBank at “Lunch For Literacy 2010” on February 5 at the Boise Centre.  This annual event will raise much needed funds to support the Learning Lab’s programs in 2010.  It’s a chance for you to stand with KeyBank and others in support of eradicating illiteracy in our community. 

I hope to see you on Friday for the Lunch for Literacy!