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The Literacy Project, Inc.
  • 15C Bank Row Street, Greenfield, MA 01301
  • 413-774-3934
  • Education | Adult Basic Education
The Literacy Project – Orange
Program activities:

The Literacy Project’s adult basic education programming provides; academic instruction to prepare students to pass a high school equivalency test, education and career advising and readiness activities to help students overcome barriers to entering the workforce and continuing their education, and opportunities for students to engage meaningfully and equitably in the economic, social, cultural, and civic life of their communities. Programming consists of:

  1. Academic classes that serve students at the basic literacy, pre-HSE (High-School Equivalency), HSE preparation, and College Readiness levels, and integrate computer literacy activities. Classes are led by a staff instructor with assistance of trained volunteers.
  2. In-class college and job readiness activities to explore occupational interests, gain knowledge of workplace expectations, develop computer skills, learn about post-secondary education opportunities, and learn about the college environment and expectations.
  3. Individual advising (case management) for goal setting, action planning and taking next steps such as applying for a job or enrolling in community college, and for problem-solving to overcome obstacles to pursuing education/job readiness goals and to connect with needed resources.

The program serves out-of-school youth ages 16 and older and under-educated adults. Classes are held September through May each year and there are no classes in June, July, and August. Most classes meet in-person, and there are also remote and hybrid options. Students are enrolled in the ongoing classes on a monthly basis, September through April, as space permits. Job readiness activities and assistance with job search are provided during class time or individual advising time.

Student progress is measured by gains in educational functioning levels (EFL) on the Massachusetts Adult Proficiency Tests (MAPT) in Reading and Math. There are 6 EFLs, each corresponding to 2 grade levels, so an EFL gain in a subject area represents progress through 2 grade levels. Other achievements that indicate participant progress are; passing either the HiSET or GED exam and achieving a High School Equivalency credential, enrollment in a post-secondary education or training program, obtaining new employment, getting a raise, promotion, or other improvement in a job they are already working.

Weekly participation varies from 4 hours a week to 12 hours a week depending on the level and location of the class. Remote classes are open to students from any location. Meetings for intake and enrollment, as well as for Education and Career Advising may be in person, by phone, or on Zoom. 

Classes at our Amherst location will be offered remotely until further notice. Remote classes are held on Zoom, and teachers use e-mail and Google Classroom to provide class materials and assignments. Remote students are provided with a chrome book, if needed, and workbooks and other class materials.

See more about The Literacy Project – Orange here.

Program is offered in: English
Participant demographics:

Classes are open to participants who don’t have a high school diploma, or whose Reading, Writing, or Math skills are not at a high school level, and who need to gain skills to pursue a personal, work, or educational goal. 

Anticipated number of SNAP participants per year: 17
Information About Program Hours: varies from 4 to 14
Program duration: 35 weeks
Rolling Admission: Yes
Number of cycles: 8
Program start dates: Students can join the ongoing class on or about the 1st Monday of each month, September to April, provided there is room in the class. Sometimes there is a short waiting list for a class.
Sample schedule:
HoursActivity TypeMonTueWedThuFriSatSun
10:00 AM-1:00 PM (hybrid)Beginning Reading, Writing, & Math Class
10:00 AM-1:00 PM (in person)Pre-High School Equivalency & HSE Prep Class
10:00 AM- 12:00 PM (remote)Pre -High School Equivalency and HSE Prep Class
4:00 PM-6:00 PM (remote)High School Equivalency Preparation Class
Other Schedule Information: Classes are held September through May each year and there are no classes in June, July, and August. WINTER WEATHER POLICY Classes at the North Quabbin Site are cancelled when either Mahar Regional or Athol/Royalston schools close for winter weather. If there is a delay in either district, classes begin at 10:00 a.m. You can check for cancellations on the site’s outgoing phone message, Facebook page, or local radio stations WHAI (98.3 FM) and WJDF (97.3 FM).
Is the program offered remotely? Hybrid
Is public transportation available? Yes

Location information:

18 South Main Street, Orange, MA 01364limited accessibility by FRTA Quaboag Connector
Additional information about location:

Parking is available on the street or across Main Street in the public parking lot.

The Literacy Project also has in-person classes in Greenfield, Northampton, and Ware, and remote classes on zoom, mornings through the Amherst site, and evenings through the Ware site.

Other requirements: At least 16 years of age or older and not enrolled in high school
Program is CORI friendly? Yes
Anticipated outcomes: High School Equivalency credential upon succesful completion of HiSET or GED exam
Other outcomes: Stackable Credential(s), Employment/Promotion

Participant Supports:

Participant Support CategoryAll participantsAs needed
DTA SNAP Transportation Support
DTA SNAP Child Care Referral
Test/License Fees
Books/Supplies
Chromebook
Are there any out of pocket expenses for the participant? No
Do participants receive any pay? Not applicable

Contact Information

Program Liaison: Cathy King
Telephone: 978 544-8917
Ext: 400
Program code: TLP-EDUC-HiSET-O
ABAWD Qualifying? No