ASPIRE- Formerly LIFT- Aberg Center for Literacy

LIFT and the Aberg Center for Literacy merged in July 2020, supported by the Better Together Fund. The new merged organization, Aspire, provides cradle to career learning programs for students of all ages - from early childhood to adults pursuing careers. Aspire will serve approximately 900 individual learners in its 2022-2023 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. From learning English or earning a GED, to balancing a family bank account or preparing for careers, our students face challenges with confidence. Because when you are ready to learn, there's no obstacle you can't overcome.

Programs include:
Adult Basic Education in English and Spanish (ABE): ABE serves very low-literate adults reading at or below the fourth-grade level. Aspire's ABE program uses an evidence-based Sequential English Education (SEE) curriculum adapted for adults from the Shelton School that is useful for adults with learning differences like dyslexia.

Spanish language ABE classes are presented in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate of Dallas and the Mexican National Institute for Adult Education.
High School Equivalency in English and Spanish (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 Language Acquisition (ELA): Aspire uses the Cambridge University Press Ventures Series, 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 gives you access to readily available jobs that will improve your and your family's future. Aspire's Workforce Training programs equip you with the skills and training necessary to gain living wage work.

Our Needs

Aspire (formerly LIFT and the Aberg Center for Literacy) seeks donations that support our workforce training and financial literacy program; GED preparation; English as a Second Language (ESL) and Adult Basic Education (ABE) instruction for the low-literate population in North Texas. Aspire implements nationally-recognized curricula to improve student outcomes. Aspire is committed to helping learners achieve personal goals that will make a long-term impact on their personal and financial well-being.