ASPIRE- Formerly LIFT- Aberg Center for Literacy

Aspire achieves its vision and mission through comprehensive, cradle-to-career education and workforce training programs. Aspire serves North Texas adults who either function below the high school level, lack a high school credential, are unable to speak, read, or write in English, or require workforce training for high-demand living wage jobs. Aspire’s approach focuses on extremely low-literate students; including those with learning differences; its commitment to family literacy; its focus on workforce training programs to achieve a living wage; and its dedication to creating meaningful outcomes that reflect the individual priorities of its students.

Aspire will serve approximately 1,500 individual learners in its 2026-2027 fiscal year.

At Aspire, we believe learning turns obstacles into opportunities. Every day, we walk alongside our students as they make the brave decision to change their lives. Because when you are ready to learn, there's no obstacle you can't overcome.

Programs include:
Adult Basic Education (ABE): The Sequential English Education (SEE) program by Aspire helps adults (18 years and older) with reading and language challenges caused by visual or auditory processing differences, such as dyslexia or auditory processing disorder. These challenges, often undiagnosed in traditional classrooms, can lead to long-term struggles with literacy. The vast number of our students cannot read or even identify the sound a letter makes; this places them at a pre-K to first-grade reading level. The SEE curriculum has been adapted for adults by the Shelton School of Dallas.

High School Equivalency (HSE): HSE classes prepare adult learners to take one of the two state-approved tests to attain a Certificate of High School Equivalency. The testing options in Texas are the GED or the HiSET.

English as a Second Language (ESL): 40% of Dallas County residents speak a language other than English at home. Many experience double low literacy, both in English and their native language. ESL instruction increases these residents' chances for successful job placement, advancement, and economic survival. Aspire uses a competency-based curriculum that focuses on practical activities such as filling out employment applications, self-assessments of work skills, practice job interviews, and role-playing workplace interactions.

Family Literacy and Early Childhood Education: A two-pronged approach to early literacy for economically disadvantaged families: children participate in high-quality early education while parents pursue their own educational goals, and the entire family is given the opportunity to strengthen their relationships with each other.

Workforce Training: In partnership with ReadyToWork, our students gain training and certifications in high-growth fields to give them access to readily available jobs that will improve their family's future. Aspire's Workforce Training programs equip students with the skills and training necessary to gain living wage work.