Eric Searles, Jr. had children at a young age and did not finish high school.
He knew that in order to provide for his family, he needed an alternative that would allow him to get a better education so that he could get a better job. He enrolled at the Office of Adult and Career Education Services (OACES) to get his high school equivalency diploma and he plans to complete their Electrical Career and Technical Education program.
He says, “OACES is great. I love the teachers, it’s fun, they make learning fun. It [OACES] really expands your horizons of things you can do.” Eric especially appreciates OACES’ flexible schedule because he can work around his current job.
“OACES have provided me with the resources I need to further my career.” Eric reflects. “Without OACES, I probably would be far gone. I would not be where I want to be in life.”
Eric is making progress on accomplishing his goals and the Digital Literacy program is onsite at OACES to help. Digital Literacy volunteers work with students like Eric on a variety of computer-related tasks. In Eric’s case, that may include writing a resume or applying to electrical jobs. For others, it may be researching post-secondary educational institutions or accessing online resources. Our goal is to ensure that adults in Monroe County, including OACES students, have the digital skills they need to become fully engaged in their community.
Digital Literacy, a program of Literacy Rochester, helps adults become fully engaged in their community as citizens, parents, consumers, and workers. The Digital Literacy program is provided free of charge on a one-to-one, drop-in basis in partnership with OACES at a variety of locations in and around Rochester.
Get involved: Drop in. Donate. Volunteer.