Learning Center

At the Rescue Mission, we do more than get people off the street. We help them build a foundation for a changed life. Education is an important piece of that foundation and having a high school diploma is the first step in that educational development.  Individual tutoring and computer based instruction are available to help community members and Rescue Mission residents pass the TASC exam which qualifies them for a high school equivalency diploma.  We also help with resume writing, job-readiness skills, interviewing skills, online employment searches, and professional clothing for interviews.

At The Learning Center we use different methods of instruction that are individually chosen for each student.  We work closely with the BOCES ACCESS site on Second Street in Utica so that students can have the benefit of both more individual instruction in The Learning Center and classroom instruction at the ACCESS site where they will eventually take the TASC exam.  We offer a safe place where men and women can work on academic and vocational skills, and set healthy life goals while working to remove barriers to employment. Each student is initially assessed for academic aptitudes and career interests. Our staff then crafts an individualized plan of study to help the student progress toward personal goals.   The staff have provided academic and job skills training to 275 men and women.  This represents 1,984 visits for a total of 3,699 hours of service to men and women seeking help with education needs as well as job readiness.  Since its inception in December 1998, nearly 2,000 students have participated in the program, and more than 3,500 certificates have been awarded.

Learning opportunities include:

• Tutoring in math, reading, writing, social studies and science leading to a High School Equivalency diploma
• Computer literacy training
• Keyboard training
• Financial Literacy training
• Life skills training
• Web-based housing searches
• Web-based job searches
• Bible study courses
• Resume preparation assistance
• Interview preparation including securing appropriate clothing.

The Learning Center is temporarily closed to the public due to NYS COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.  We will publish new hours soon.

For more information contact:

Jaime Crowe, Community Services Coordinator