National Digital Inclusion Week

Internet is essential to modern life, yet 16% of Philadelphians live without high-speed home internet connection. Join BeLit as we celebrate National Digital Inclusion Week from 10/2-10/6 by bringing awareness to citywide efforts that help bridge our digital divide.

Please help spread the word: BeLit's mobile tech lab is rolling into low-connected communities loaded with WiFi, Digital Navigators, computers, a printer, and free tech tool giveaways!

Young Friends Advisory Board (YFAB)

BeLit's Young Friends Advisory Board (YFAB) launch event was a success! Over 40 attendees gathered to learn about BeLit's mission of changing lives through literacy and hear heartwarming stories from current volunteers and board members about meaningful ways to support our adult learners and give back to the wider Philadelphia community.

YFAB membership officially opens this November with opportunities for professionals to gain valuable board exposure while helping move BeLit's mission forward through volunteerism and philanthropy.

Interested in YFAB? Click here to register for our breakfast event on November 17th, 8:30-10:00am at the Rothman Rink Cabin in front of City Hall.

Interested in immediate volunteer opportunities with Beyond Literacy? Great! Drop an email to our outreach and volunteer specialist, Lorna Laster-Jackson here.

BeLit Citizenship Learners Film a TED Talk

Lights, Camera, Action! BeLit English Language and Citizenship learners, led by Instructor Nicole Tomassi, were recently selected to be featured in an upcoming TED Talk for their platform about Democracy. This special opportunity was sponsored by Visit Philadelphia, our region’s official tourism marketing agency.

Five citizenship students, plus their class volunteer, Arlene Freiman, represented BeLit during filming on Independence Mall. The group answered questions posed by host Shari Davis about what democracy means to them.

Prior to filming, the class toured Independence Hall. Of the unique experience, Teacher Nicole says, "Our learners were incredibly happy with the field trip. It truly moved them how the documentarians took such care to understand them and to record their thoughts accurately."

Student Spotlights:

Lionel Smith, 53, Digital Skills and Pre-Apprenticeship Learner

Lionel Smith is a BeLit learner who is fond of saying he “always likes to learn something new." His love of learning shows -- Lionel is currently co-enrolled in not one, but two BeLit programs, Green Energy Pre-apprenticeship and Digital Literacy.

For Lionel, the importance of digital inclusion is personal. When Lionel was in need of reliable home internet, he was especially grateful to BeLit’s Digital Navigators for helping him access free, high-speed broadband through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), ensuring he could attend his adult education classes both in-person and remotely. Although Lionel was already experienced in computer basics, he decided to join BeLit’s Digital Literacy classes where he learns new cyber-skills and discusses relevant topics such how to avoid falling victim to phishing scams. Best of all, he is working to earn up to three Northstar Digital Literacy Certifications to boost his resume. Lionel says his favorite part of class is learning with his Instructor, Alex Smith. "Any question you've got, she can answer them," Lionel exclaims.

In BeLit’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Lionel receives hands-on experience in the energy efficiency trades and works toward earning five industry certifications to qualify him for a

in-demand job within the energy and utilities industry. Since enrolling in August, he has already become OSHA-certified and started training to weatherize homes in ways that reduce energy costs and help safeguard the health of their homeowners.

When Lionel is not in class Monday through Thursday, he fills his spare moments by taking advantage of BeLit’s enrichment opportunities such as extra tutoring, student support workshops, and employment advice from our team of career coaches. BeLit's Workforce Development Manager, Dzemila Bilanovic, says, "I am beyond proud of everything Lionel has already accomplished with us. He comes to class with a smile on his face, ready and willing to learn and explore. Above all, I’m proud of the resilience Lionel displays on a daily basis."

Upon completing his Pre-Apprenticeship and Digital Literacy Programs, Lionel would like to enroll in BeLit’s Energy Industry Test-Prep Program to study for the Construction and Skilled Trades Test (CAST) test. Passing the challenging CAST test is a gateway into achieving Lionel’s ultimate goal, starting a new career with a local energy powerhouse like PECO or PGW. His BeLit instructors and coaches are confident that with his strong desire to learn, Lionel can achieve anything he sets his mind to!