It’s Never Too Late to Learn: Project: LEARN Opens Doors to New Possibilities
By Annie Milo, BEAT reporter
BRUNSWICK, OH- For more than 43 years, Project: LEARN of Medina County has helped adults take life-changing steps through education. Executive Director Julie Alexander leads the nonprofit. It provides free educational opportunities for adults who want to earn their high school equivalency, improve their English skills, and build the literacy and workplace skills needed for success in everyday life. As Alexander puts it, “Education opens opportunities, and it’s never too late to learn.”
Project: LEARN, which stands for Let Every Adult Read Now, serves adults ages 18 and older with many different goals. Some students are working towards the equivalent of a high school diploma, while others are focused on improving reading, math, digital literacy, English language skills, or workforce skills. While they may work towards different things, Alexander mentions they all have one thing in common: a desire to invest in themselves and work towards their ideal futures.
Returning to education as an adult isn’t easy for most. Many students balance jobs, family responsibilities, childcare, and transportation challenges while attending classes. Some also have personal barriers to overcome, especially if their previous experiences in school were difficult. “Sometimes the first thing we have to teach isn’t an academic skill; it’s confidence,” Alexander said.
Each year, approximately 135 students participate in Project: LEARN programs. During the most recent program year, nine students earned their high school equivalency, while many others strengthened their English proficiency and other essential skills. Alexander believes every learner’s journey is a success because taking that first step requires courage, commitment, and persistence.
The impact of adult education goes way beyond just the classroom. When adults improve their literacy and education, they are better prepared to find employment, support their families, and contribute to their communities. Local employers also benefit from a stronger, more skilled workforce. As Alexander noted, “investing in adult education helps build a stronger future for Medina County.”
Support from the community remains a key part of Project: LEARN’s success. In addition to grants and donations, the organization operates two volunteer-run used bookstores, The BookShelf, in Medina and Wadsworth. Proceeds from donated and purchased books go to help fund educational programs that give community members a simple way to support adult learners while finding their next great read.
Looking ahead, Alexander hopes Project: LEARN continues to grow so that every adult in Medina County who wants to learn knows where to look for support. “Adult education isn’t just about getting a high school equivalency. It’s about possibility,” she explained. Through education, encouragement, and community support, Project: LEARN continues to help adults overcome challenges, expand on their education, and create better futures for all!
Annie Milo, Brunswick High School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program, celebrating its 25th year, is sponsored by Donut Land, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, MODA Gifts, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/community/new-beat-site to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com/?folder=ALL to view videos produced by the students.
PHOTOS: The Huntington Bank building where Project: LEARN of Medina County’s office and main education center is located in Medina Square; One of Project: LEARN’s book store’s, The Bookshelf in Medina; One of Project: LEARN’s book store’s, The Bookshelf located in downtown Wadsworth.