Founded in 1961 by the local chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women, Literacy Instruction for Texas has grown into one of the largest and most widely respected adult literacy education programs in the United States. After ten years in the Wilson Historic District, LIFT moved to its learning center at 2121 Main Street in June 2003. Growth in number of participants is phenomenal.  Between 2004 and the end of 2007, the number of adult learners participating in LIFT programs increased by 292% from 2,103 to 6,141. In the past year alone, LIFT has served more than 8,000 adult learners.

The purpose of LIFT is simple...To teach illiterate and low literate adults to read English. It does not matter why they cannot read; it is the mission of Literacy Instruction for Texas "to enhance lives and strengthen communities by raising the adult literacy rate in Texas".

Situation:

LIFT thrives on the support of over 500 volunteers and donated space in 37 off site locations.  The substantial increase of students and support in recent years demanded a complete website redesign with a modern look and feel that would convey a sense of comfort for donors, volunteers and helpers.  Not only was the design a primary focus but the general content needed to be displayed for user friendly navigation, real-time content management capability and more were all important to be as interactive with interested students and volunteers as possible.  The primary goal was to attract over 500 volunteers per year to participate in the programs LIFT offers.

Solution:

Plasma Computing, A Dallas Web Design company began analysing the valuable content and focusing on what information was most important to communicate to the users.  About LIFT, Events, Programs, Adult Learners, Volunteers, Partners and Friends, Location details, Wish List and Contact Information has all made www.LIFT-texas.org the incredible resource that it is.  www.LIFT-texas.org is not only a resource for students but has helped build comradery and established a sense of belonging among students, volunteers and partners.

Result:

• In the past year from July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009 LIFT has been successful in serving 8,325 adult learners.
• During this time frame, 8,070 classes met for 121,182 class hours (including 1,507 computer lab hours).
• The only other group that teaches more adults to read than LIFT in North Texas is DISD.
• The average literacy organization in the US serves 300 adults a year.
• Recent graduates can view their pictures on the site.
• LIFT maintains a 64% course completion rate among its adult learners, compared to the national average of 10%.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE CASE STUDIES