Dear Aspire Community,

 

I'm honored and deeply grateful to step into Aspire's President and CEO role. After serving alongside our students and staff as Chief Development Officer and, most recently, as Interim CEO, this moment feels both humbling and full of hope. I've seen firsthand the strength of our mission, the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and the resilience of the students we serve every day. I couldn't be more excited for what's ahead.

 

Aspire is not just an organization, it's a community built on belief. I believe in second chances, in learning at any age, and in the power of proper support to transform people's lives and the lives of their families. As I step into this role, I carry those beliefs with me, and I promise to lead with heart, clarity, and purpose.

 

Looking forward, here's what you can expect from Aspire. We will continue strengthening the quality and integration of our programs—adult literacy, ESL, GED prep, and workforce training to ensure every student has access to real opportunities.

 

We'll focus on expanding our collaborations with community organizations, funders, and employers to align better learning with meaningful outcomes, such as living wage jobs, credentials, and economic mobility.

 

We'll listen more, adapt faster, and build programs that meet people where they are—whether in a classroom, online, at work, or in their community.

 

Aspire's greatest strength is its people. We will continue to foster a culture where staff, volunteers, and students feel seen, heard, and valued.

 

As we move into this next chapter, I will continue to lead with the same hands-on approach and collaborative spirit that Aspire is known for. The path ahead is bright, and we will all walk it together.

 

With gratitude and excitement,

Aspire is seeking caring, committed volunteers from the community. Whether you are passionate about teaching English as a Second Language, helping adults prepare for their GED, or supporting learners in building fundamental reading skills, we need you, First name / valued Aspire Supporter.

 

No teaching experience? No problem. Aspire provides all the training, curriculum, and support you need to succeed, whether you want to volunteer in person or online, once a week or more. Every hour you give changes a life.

Our volunteers come from many walks of life—retirees, professionals, parents, and students—united by a shared belief in the power of learning. Here's what some of them have to say:

 

Chuck, who teaches adult reading classes, knows the dedication it takes for students to succeed. "Sometimes, they take multiple buses in the snow and rain to get here," he says. "They show up early, homework in hand. They're juggling jobs, kids, and life, and still, they come. That's what makes me proud." For Chuck, teaching adults to read means starting from scratch, and that is both humbling and inspiring.

 

Shi-Anne teaches ESL classes online from South Dakota and describes her volunteer experience as a journey of growth. "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." She loves watching her students gain language skills, confidence, and community. "Aspire opens up opportunities I never expected," she says. "From fulfilling my passion for teaching to helping me explore new places, it's an amazing experience."

 

Dan, a longtime volunteer, finds deep meaning in his work. "The ability to read opens all kinds of worlds for you," he says. "What I think I want is to leave the world a little bit better place for me having been here, even if nobody else knows it. That brings me satisfaction." Through Aspire, Dan lives that mission every week.

 

Aspire is here to welcome you if you are ready to step in and help adults transform their lives through literacy and learning. Click here to learn more!

 

Aspire’s 2025 Fall ESL and GED Registration is almost here! From June 30 to July 24, adults across Dallas can enroll in free classes designed to help them reach their goals.

 

If you know someone who wants to improve their English, earn their GED, build career skills, or strengthen their reading or math, Aspire offers free classes with in-person and online options, flexible schedules, and supportive teachers who care deeply about student success.

 

Classes begin August 11, and registration is only open for a few weeks. We encourage prospective students to fill out our quick interest form as soon as possible so they will be the first to know when registration opens.

 

🔗 aspiretolearn.org/interest-form

(Need the form in Spanish? Click here.)

 

Please help us spread the word! You never know who might be looking for a second chance or their next opportunity.

 

Do you know someone interested in our Adult Reading Program or Workforce Training Program? Click the respective links to learn more. 

 

We are halfway through our summer session, and it has been an exciting journey so far! This year, Aspire proudly launched classes at two new community partners: Metrocrest Services in Carrollton and the DISD Resource Center West in West Dallas.

 

Already, these new locations have become vibrant hubs of learning and connection. Thanks to the welcoming spaces provided by Metrocrest Services and DISD, our students are thriving and building essential reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills while gaining the confidence to pursue their personal and professional goals.

 

We are deeply grateful to these incredible partners for helping us reach more adults in the community and to the students for their hard work and determination.

 

As the summer session continues, we are energized by the progress we are making and look forward to further growing these partnerships.

Formerly known as LIFT and Aberg Center for Literacy

Copyright © 2024 Aspire • Aspire is a 501(c)(3). Our registration number is 75-1095223