One program goal is to increase the literacy level of learners so that they will be able to make full use of their benefits and continue their education. After completion of their four semesters, students can continue their education through the University’s tuition assistance program that offers courses at a greatly reduced cost, $40 per Course/Semester. Depending on the extent of their prior literacy and schooling and on the speed at which they progress, four semesters is sufficient for some students. A sizeable number, however, need class time beyond the amount they are given as paid release time. A limited number of participating departments have elected to allow their employees to take six semesters of paid release time; most departments find this difficult and are encouraging their employees to study on their own time whenever possible.

The Bridge Program helps with this by providing computer classes and individual tutoring. The Bridge Program offers a range of courses. Four levels of ESL instruction prepare learners for the faster paced academic ESL courses offered at the Extension School’s IEL program. Two classes, Literacy I and Literacy II, while addressing listening and speaking, focus on the development of reading and writing skills. While a student in a Literacy I class may begin with letter recognition and basic decoding skills, a student in a Literacy II class will be reading short simple text and writing simple sentences or short paragraphs. A class called Bridge ESL is a transitional course where grammar structure is formally introduced, beginning with parts of speech and verb tenses. Students who have successfully completed this class are ready to attend the IEL classes. A class called Speaking and Listening is offered for students who have advanced reading and writing skills but want to improve their oral/aural skills. For some students, this class is an alternative to the IEL classes, for others it is another step along the way.

In addition to the ESL classes, the Bridge Program offers General Education Development (GED) and pre-GED classes for native and non-native English speakers who are either working towards attainment of their GED or interested in honing their academic study skills. Introductory and Next Step Computer classes are also offered; however, they must be taken on the employee’s own time.

The Program offers tutorial assistance for students in the classes who need extra help, students waiting for placement in a class, and for students who have completed their four semesters and want to continue their education. A resource center in the Bridge Program office contains computers for student use, career information, higher education information, and skill and interest inventories. Staff members are available to help workers explore job possibilities, career options, Harvard policies and benefits, and additional educational opportunities, and to assist with such life-survival issues as bill paying and establishing credit.

The Bridge Program in Contrast with Massachusetts-Based State-Wide Initiatives

Workplace Education in the state of Massachusetts has undergone a number of changes over the last few years. In the midst of a politically unfriendly situation (e.g., Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly voted to terminate bilingual education programs for K-12 learners), there are a few encouraging programs. Some of the innovative state-wide programs described below target industries and sectors as well as individual companies, teach foundation skills along with job skills and focus on establishing career paths for individuals. In contrast, the Bridge Program is a worker education program that places its primary emphasis on meeting the educational needs of the students so that they will have greater educational opportunities and greater job mobility. Improvements in job performance occur as well, but the program curriculum is not customized to their jobs.