History
BEACON began in 1992 by Sister Eileen Heaps in response to the overwhelming adult literacy needs of the local community in Manassas City, Manassas Park and Western Prince William County. The program is volunteer based drawing from a wide range of individuals and skills to help meet the needs of the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) population as well as those in need of GED (General Education Development - a high school equivalency certificate) and ABE (Adult Basic Education). We currently have close to 300 learners and 55 tutors and expect a continued increase in learners. Over 75% of our learners are in the ESOL program, and 74% of those are of Hispanic origin. Due to an increased emphasis and new partnerships, our number of GED students is increasing by 35% per quarter.
Since our inception we have served over 2,200 students, 1,380 from 2000-2004; more than 200 learners have began the program in each of the last 6 years. We anticipate a continued influx of learners as a result of population growth, continued penetration of the immigrant population and new programs. Program expansion may include computer, workforce and financial literacy. Our tutor ratios have changed over time as the program has developed to small group tutoring versus one-on-one. We service learner growth with additional tutors recruited through church groups, retirement communities, local colleges and other community organizations.