Getting it Right the Second Time Around
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Getting it Right the Second Time Around
High school graduate seeks additional preparation for furthering education.
By: Brittney Minter
DETROIT (December 3, 2012) – Imagine a fourth-grader trying to apply for college. He or she probably doesn’t have enough educational experience to make it in, right?
That’s essentially what happened when Brandon Jackson, graduate of Martin Luther King High School, applied to Everest Institute. At the time, Jackson was 23 years old but was only at a fourth-grade math and reading level. Admission counselors suggested that he contact Pro-Literacy Detroit to help bring him up to speed before going to college.
“My teachers did the most that they could to help me while I was in school,” said Jackson.“I take full responsibility for my situation, but I’m making up for it now.”
Jackson attends free tutoring sessions through Pro-Literacy Detroit at the Skillman Library.
Pro-Literacy Detroit provides free literacy services to adults aged 16 and older in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. Services include tutoring, GED preparation and career development trainings.
Margaret Williamson, executive director of Pro-Literacy Detroit, says that Jackson’s case is not unique. “Children have been promoted despite failing their courses due to a policy known as Social Promotion. I am so saddened that the majority of students receive a diploma they can’t even read.”
Jackson says that low self-esteem and lack of support are among the biggest reasons for low student achievement. “You see other people with more money, nicer clothes or better body types than you and you get stubborn and rebellious. Eventually I started skipping school and that’s when I really fell behind.” Jackson’s parents never encouraged him to pursue higher education. “They didn’t think about college. My mom never went and my dad didn’t even graduate from high school.”
Fortunately, Jackson is headed back down the right path. He will try to go back to school in two years to become a chef or a mechanic. But first, he wants to focus on improving his math and reading skills. “I’ve learned to just be patient with myself and go at my own pace,” said Jackson. “Do what you can, while you. I’m trying to gain as much knowledge as possible and everything else will follow.”
And that is exactly what he is doing. Jackson enjoys the flexibility he has with Pro-Literacy Detroit because he can learn at his own pace, attend church regularly, help take care of his sick mom, and work to save up money for college.
Pro-Literacy’s program is designed to provide its’ learners with the most optimal experience for learning by catering to individual circumstances. Learning goals, location and scheduling is decided based on the student. They try to match each learner and tutor to a convenient, public location for both. Generally, sessions take place once a week for two hours. Because of the program’s structure and flexibility, Jackson says he is definitely learning more.
He recalls a motivational speaker urging students in his 12th-grade class to “buckle down and get with it.” Jackson now shares that same advice with others who may be in his same position. “Get help. If you don’t come here, there are other programs available. But you should come to Pro-Literacy. It’s a great program.”
Pro-Literacy Detroit is a nonprofit, accredited affiliate of ProLiteracy America. It has 52 tutoring and literacy sites throughout Metro Detroit. For more information, contact Pro-Literacy Detroit at (313)872-7720 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Pro-Literacy Detroit
12300 Morang Dr.
Detroit MI 48224
Detroit MI 48224
Contact: Roberta Bivens
Phone: 313.872.7720 ext. 1627 (Office)
Fax: 313.965.8441
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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