Online Education Provides Gateway To Jobs For Those Living In Poverty

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Technology is changing the lives of the 28% of Philadelphia's citizens living in poverty.

The Mayor's Commission on Literacy works with low-literate adult job seekers using a technology-empowered system called myPLACE™ which has been a gateway for 3115 adult learners and 67% are functionally reading in the Commission's online courses.

First of their kind in the nation, the online courses are tailor-made for adult learners.

myPLACE™ guarantees immediate enrollment in Introduction to Adult Learning and Careers, which teaches computer skills, adult study skills, and career exploration and planning.

With so many entry-level jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, all who qualify can then take six-week courses in reading, writing, and math that teach those subjects in the context of those three major industries in our region.

Sound the trumpets! For the first time in history, online learning is making a difference for people in poverty on a large scale.

For information, call 215-686-5250.