Leorian Learning Center was founded as a result of a community-based needs assessment study that was conducted in May 2010. The participants of this study were the local residents and employers in three zip codes in Providence, RI.
This study found that there were several needs in this community for both residents and employers. The residents wanted ESL classes, Citizenship classes, GED-Prep classes, and computer training. The employers were looking for a place that offered their employees basic literacy, computer classes, and work readiness classes.
Yes, Providence does have other not for profits that offer these services. However, we are not only offering these classes, but are also offer training that restaurant workers need for certification and recertification, workshops for early childhood staff and enrichment classes. Originally, we were not offering the restaurant classes, but residents asked us to offer them. Therefore, we are.
We found that the adults, who answered our study's survey, wanted more one on one instruction, or small groups not to exceed 6 adults at one time. We also found that it was important to have a flexible schedule. We offer day, evening and Saturday classes in order to help address our students' scheduling needs.
Leorian Learning Center was founded to help our areas adults to become life long learners. That is our mission.
