The ASPIRE Program provides free ESL and High School Equivalency Classes, as well as Early Childhood and Parenting education for families who have children 0-7 years old.

Contact Rob Patton, Senior Program Coordinator
512-841-8571
rpatton@ciscentraltexas.org

The Communities In Schools ASPIRE Family Literacy Program (Achieving Success through Parental Involvement, Reading and Education) provides comprehensive literacy services for the entire family.

SERVICES:

ASPIRE provides education for families with children 0-7 years old who are in need of ESL and/or GED classes, and live in southeast Austin. Services are provided at in the ASPIRE building behind Travis High School, as well as during monthly home visits.

ASPIRE serves approximately 100 families per year.

ASPIRE PROVIDES:

· Evidence-based parenting classes
· Early childhood education
· Adult education (ESL, GED, Computers)
· “Parent As Teachers” home visits
· Inter-generational literacy activities

IMPACT: 

ASPIRE raises literacy levels of adults and children while increasing parents’ ability and confidence in supporting their children’s literacy needs at home and in school. School district performance data indicate that ASPIRE children academically outperform their peers even years after having left the program.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS:

“I feel privileged to be a part of this program, and almost all of my goals have been accomplished. In the course of the year I’ve learned many things, for example the importance of reading to my children… In the ASPIRE program, I’m inspired to excel and to believe in myself. I have what it takes; I only need the right tools, and it seems I have found them.” Maria Tello, ASPIRE parent, GED earner

ASPIRE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
· Early Childhood Classroom Assistant
· Children’s Recreation Activity Leader – Summer Only

VOLUNTEER CONTACT:
Email: volunteer@ciscentraltexas.org

The ASPIRE Family Literacy program is supported by Austin Community College, The City Of Austin, Genevieve and Ward Orsinger Foundation, Travis County, and United Way for Greater Austin.

ASPIRE Family Literacy was the 2018 Impact Austin Education Grant Recipient.