Literacy Volunteers of America – Danbury, Inc.

LVA School

248 Main Street

Danbury, CT 06810

(203) 792-8260

For Immediate Release

July 1, 2010

Contact

Tom Pinkham

LVA School

Literacy Volunteers of America – Danbury

Wins Competitive Grant from Fairfield County Community Foundation

The LVA School, part of Literacy Volunteers of America –Danbury, Inc., today announced the receipt of a $14,000 development grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation. The grant is in support of the LVA School’s higher-level English and pre-college study program for adult students, which has served the local community for the past four years. FCCF has been a long time supporter of the LVA School.

The funds will be used to help fund a student goal-setting and counseling program. “Our students are highly motivated,” said LVA School director, Tom Pinkham. “But the simple truth is that navigating the post-secondary education system in America can be intimidating. These funds will help us track, counsel and assist our adult students as they complete our program and plan their futures.”

The LVA School program was developed by Pinkham and his staff at Literacy Volunteers – Danbury, Inc., in response to requests by students who needed more than conversational English language skills. It features small learning groups, led by trained professional and volunteer teachers, and supported by a unique system of extra-help tutorials. It is based on academic research that has shown that in order for learning programs for minority students to be successful they must include academic vocabulary, personalized learning situations and cultural relevance and sensitivity.

Literacy Volunteers of America-Danbury, Inc. has been serving the Danbury area community since 1978.  In addition to advanced English and pre-college study, they also provide workplace education, basic skills development, college-level tutorials and citizenship test tutorials. In addition to morning and evening study programs, the LVA School now offers Saturday morning classes and tutorials.

The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds and contribute to existing funds. The Foundation also provides philanthropic advisory services, and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues. It is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards for community foundations. TheFoundation has awarded over $110 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org.