Programs

A Human-Centered Approach to Self-Sufficiency

We tackle poverty and financial dependence on government assistance at its roots. We know that there are many barriers on an individual’s journey to self-sufficiency. We believe in a holistically guided approach to education and financial independence for our neighbors in Perry County, helping them tackle the barriers that hold them back. Our human-centered approach includes, social services, healthcare, cash assistance, and adult education so that every motivated individual is empowered to attain self-sufficiency.

The Basics

The Basics movement aims to help every family help every child reach their full potential. The Basics is a strategy for whole communities to support vibrant learning and brain development among children from birth to age five. The Basics Principles combine scientific rigor with broad coverage of key domains of early childhood development. They are simple enough to commit to memory for regular use.

Essential Programs & Services

Empowering Adult Learners

PCLC can provide a one-to-one tutoring environment for Adult Learners looking to continue or further their education. 

Adult Basic Education

PCLC provides a one-to-one tutoring program for students looking to improve basic life skills (i.e. reading, writing, and math). We will develop a learning plan tailored to your needs based on an assessment of your skill levels; we will then match you with a volunteer tutor with whom you will agree on a time and place to meet for three hours every week. Your tutor, meanwhile, will assess your progress and help you set personal goals. We also help students with high school equivalency tests (GED®), driver’s permits, CDLs, ASVAB, and college entrance exams. We firmly believe that EVERY student deserves the chance to succeed, and we will help you obtain whatever accommodations may be necessary in order for you to achieve your goals.

Services offered under this program include:

  • High school equivalency test (GED®) Preparation
  • English as a Second Language and Citizenship Preparation
  • PCLC Community Reentry Program
  • NRF® Customer Service Preparation Class (onsite)
  • Teknimedia™ Microsoft Office Proficiency Training (onsite)
  • Pearson VUE GED® Computer-based Testing—onsite
  • NRF® Computer-based Testing—onsite
  • College and Career Readiness Testing – onsite
  • Digital Literacy Course
GED® and HISET® Exams

In order to be eligible for high school equivalency training (GED®) with PCLC, a student must:

  • be 18 years of age or older (information on exceptions is available on request),
  • not be enrolled in HS, and
  • not have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.

PCLC is more than happy to help prepare test takers for either the GED® or the HiSET® exam. PCLC teachers and volunteer tutors prepare students to succeed on these tests and also teach them skills that will help them become better test-takers.

As of January 2016, the official GED® test has been revised, with the passing score lowered from 150 to 145.

The GED® test lasts approximately 7.5 hours and consists of the following subjects: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies.

The HiSET® exam—a Pennsylvania state-approved high school equivalency test that may serve as a less expensive, more accessible exam than the GED® test but still provides the same credential—consists of five test subjects: Language Arts (Reading), Language Arts (Writing), Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Support for Individuals & Families

Catalog of Resources

There are many barriers to learning and achievement and ultimately self-sufficiency today. We know that providing workforce training and adult education programs alone is not enough. We are always looking for ways to support our learners and their families – helping them remove barriers to their success. Perry County residents have access to a wide range of services through our office in Newport, PA.

Become an Adult Education Tutor!

Our volunteer tutors assist students in meeting their educational goals. The volunteer commitment is three hours per week. Free training is provide for eligible volunteers.