The start of a new season is always an exciting time at Aspire! On Monday, February 3, spring classes will officially kick off, marking the beginning of another chapter for our students as they work toward their educational and career goals.

 

Aspire Program and Operations staff are working hard to guide new and existing students through a testing and placement process to prepare them for a successful spring season.

 

This important work would not be possible without our network of partners, supporters, and volunteers. We are inspired by the determination of our learners, who represent the 502,000 Dallas County adults without a high school diploma and the 40% of residents who speak a language other than English at home. Their commitment to growth reminds us that education truly has the power to change lives and break the cycle of generational literacy challenges in North Texas.

 

As we welcome our spring students, let's celebrate the courage it takes to learn, grow, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families. Whether working toward ESL fluency, preparing for their GED, or building skills for living-wage employment, each student's journey contributes to our vision of creating lasting positive change in our community.

 

If you or someone you know is interested in improving their English or earning a GED, tomorrow is the last day to register for spring classes! They can head to aspiretolearn.org/interest-form to get in contact with our team and join our cradle-to-career education and workforce training programs.

We are officially 78 days away from the Toast to Literacy!
 

The Toast to Literacy has been a vital source of funding for Aspire's literacy programs for over a decade, meaningfully impacting thousands of lives across North Texas.

 

Every ticket purchased directly supports our programs, helping learners achieve their goals and build brighter futures. Secure your ticket today at toasttoliteracy.org.

You can make an even bigger impact by becoming a sponsor! 🤝

 

Sponsoring the event is a powerful way to support our mission of creating meaningful outcomes that reflect our students' individual priorities. Your sponsorship helps us continue providing national best-practice solutions for students.

 

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy an inspiring evening while contributing to a cause that is working to make a permanent positive impact on generational literacy trends in North Texas.

 

For details on tickets or sponsorship, visit toasttoliteracy.org. If you have questions about sponsorship opportunities, please email our Interim President and CEO, Paul DiBiase, at pauldibiase@aspiretolearn.org.

 

Thank you for being part of this incredible effort to create positive change and help break the cycle of low literacy in our community!

 

When Shi-Anne joined Aspire as an online ESL instructor in August 2023, she brought more than just her teaching skills—she brought an infectious enthusiasm that transcended the digital divide from her home in Rapid City, South Dakota, to North Texas.

 

"I realized I needed to embrace my natural extrovert tendencies," shares Shi, who holds a bachelor's degree in marketing and dedicated a remarkable 300 hours to various volunteer causes in 2024. "I was initially drawn to volunteer because my mom was a teacher, and I had always wanted to follow in her footsteps. Volunteering with Aspire became the perfect way to fill up my extrovert cup while making a difference."

 

Now entering her fourth semester teaching Level 102 ESL classes, Shi consistently maintains a full class of dedicated learners. Her experience has given her a deep appreciation for her students' challenges. "English is much harder than I initially thought," she reflects. "When it's your native language, you don't realize how complex it can be until you're trying to explain it to someone else."

 

What makes it all worthwhile? "It's the moments when students greet you with excitement, ready to learn," Shi says. "Watching them grow from basic English skills to expressing their personalities and even making jokes in class – it's incredible to be part of that journey."

 

Her dedication to Aspire's mission of breaking the cycle of low literacy in North Texas led her to attend last year's Toast to Literacy event, making the journey from South Dakota to Texas for the first time. "Aspire opened up opportunities I never expected," she says. "From fulfilling my passion for teaching to helping me explore new places, it's been an amazing experience."

 

As Aspire continues serving adult learners through ESL, High School Equivalency, Workforce training, and Adult Basic Education programs, volunteers like Shi exemplify how distance is no barrier to making a difference in our community. 

Aspire is thrilled to announce a transformative new partnership with Abilene Christian University (ACU)!

 

Through this exclusive partnership, our dedicated staff, volunteers, alum, students, and partners can now access a tuition discount on ACU Online's comprehensive selection of degree and certificate programs. This opportunity is significant for our community, where we witness daily the life-changing power of education.

 

ACU Online's flexible program structure aligns perfectly with the realities of our community's busy lives. Just as Aspire provides differentiated learning approaches to meet our students where they are, ACU Online offers adaptable scheduling that allows working professionals to advance their education without putting their careers on hold. With programs spanning education, business, healthcare, and more, this partnership creates new possibilities for professional growth across multiple sectors.

 

This partnership embodies our commitment to not just literacy but to comprehensive career development and lifelong learning. Together with ACU, we are creating even more pathways for our community to achieve their dreams.

Formerly known as LIFT and Aberg Center for Literacy

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