Project: LEARN of Medina County celebrates 40 year anniversary

MEDINA — Nonprofit Project: LEARN of Medina County commemorated 40 years of educating the community on Saturday. Project: LEARN Executive Director Jennifer Brenner said Ellen Daiber established the organization in 1983 in the basement of a church. It happened after she saw the need in her community regarding adults who did not complete their high school education or who struggle with reading. It began as a volunteer tutoring program and transformed into an adult education institution after Project: LEARN began receiving an "Aspire Grant," she said. The grant is awarded to support adult education programs throughout the state. The nonprofit offers a variety of educational programs such as high school equivalency courses, tutoring, English as a second language services and specialized testing preparation. Project: LEARN also has used bookstores in Brunswick, Medina and Wadsworth. "It's very unique," Brenner said. "We're a one of a kind model. There's only a few other organizations throughout the United States that have a nonprofit that's also connected to a used bookstore to fund that type of programming." The number of people receiving services fluctuates because of ongoing enrollment, she said. There are currently around 80 English language learners and about 70 students pursuing a high school equivalency. There are no qualifiers in place, like being low income or receiving government assistance, to be eligible to participate in a program, Brenner said. Students just need to have the desire to pursue an education. "Education is the great divider," she said. "Without a high school diploma or without understanding English fluently, it's very difficult in our society to become successful." Since Brenner started around a year and a half ago, enrollment has increased by approximately 45 percent, she said. The organization is number one in enrollment goals in the state based on projected potential enrollment. "Our projected potential enrollment the year I took over was 100," Brenner said. "We hit 112 new enrollees; that does not count our rollovers. We're reaching and exceeding the goals we set for what we can achieve in Medina County." A gala was held on Saturday at Williams on the Lake to celebrate the volunteers and tutors who fulfill the organization's mission, she said. Also, Christina Collins, Patrick Shaughnessy and Angela Smith were inducted as new board members. The event also raised funds for extra curriculum, more computers and expanding programming, Brenner said. The organization has not yet stated how much was raised. "While the state of Ohio grant covers a good portion of teacher salaries, we still need ancillary funds to keep going and to keep growing, which is my goal," she said. Another goal for the future is developing more partnerships with local businesses to teach English to their employees, Brenner said. Project: LEARN is currently working with Sandridge Crafted Foods to provide English language services to a group of employees who are Afghan refugees. "For any nonprofit to sustain for an extended period of time like Project: LEARN has, it definitely takes finances, but aside from finances, it really takes the support of the community," she said. "Medina County has been very supportive of Project: LEARN over the years." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.