Missouri Western State University has announced plans to end operations of its community literacy program, Pass the Power Adult Literacy, effective October 31. Many of the services provided by Pass the Power will now be provided by the St. Joseph School District.
Dr. Gordon Mapley, dean and executive director of the Western Institute at Missouri Western, said that the decision resulted from a combination of the University’s continual evaluation of its mission and the decision of the program’s director, Deborah Ellsworth, to transition out of the director’s role at the end of the year.
“Pass the Power has made a tremendous positive difference in the lives of many people over the past 25 years,” Dr. Mapley said. “We are thrilled that the excellent Adult Education and Literacy program of the St. Joseph School District will be able to provide many of the services to citizens who have previously been served by Pass the Power. I believe that other services will transition to community-based programs.”
Pass the Power has been in existence for 25 years, operating with funding from donations, grants and the university’s budget. The program uses trained community volunteers to tutor adult learners seeking to improve their basic literacy skills. In recent years, a majority of the program’s students have been involved in learning the English language. Last year the program partnered with nine local churches to serve non-native speakers. About 270 learners were served in classes and one-to-one pairings with tutors.
Ellsworth will be leaving as director in December after 12 years of service. She plans to stay engaged with promoting literacy.
“I love this program and have great admiration for the volunteers and learners,” she said. “But it is time for me to take a short break and try new things.”
For more information, contact Pass the Power at 271-4113 or the St Joseph School District Adult Education and Literacy program at 671-4020.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.