Thank you for being part of the SBLC community!
We know education can be transformative in the lives of individuals and their families. That’s why we’re so grateful to support Baltimore adults on educational journeys that often look very different for each individual. Whether someone found their way to SBLC just a couple years after leaving a traditional school setting, or the path to our classrooms was several decades in the making, we’re happy to provide the educational and career readiness support our learners seek.
As we pass the midpoint of our fall semester, we’re proud to share that enrollment this fall is more than 60% higher than fall of 2021. That means more Baltimore neighbors are getting closer to their goals that, at times, might have felt out of reach. I’m consistently amazed at the progress our learners make and the dedication they exhibit. We are grateful to be a trusted partner and provide a welcoming space and skilled team to deliver this learning.
On behalf of the hundreds of adult learners SBLC | Learning Works serves each year, we thank you for your support. Whether you’ve recently made a monetary donation, volunteered your time, attended an SBLC event, shared information about our programs—or any combination of these activities—you are a valued member of the SBLC community and we look forward to your continued participation in the coming year. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
In gratitude,
Sid Wilson
Executive Director
Learner Spotlight: Jordan Wilson
“I want to 
be better, I want to do better. I feel like I have the potential to be somebody, to be great.”
Jordan Wilson knew that earning her high school diploma was the next step in working toward her goal of entrepreneurship in the real estate business. But working seven days a week at two different jobs, it was challenging for Jordan to even search for a program that might support her in this pursuit, much less find time to attend classes. Jordan asked her mom to help find a program she could fit into her very busy schedule. SBLC | Learning Works looked like it might be the perfect fit—and it turns out it was.
In preparation for the GED test, which she will likely take by the end of the year, Jordan attends online classes twice a week, both led by SBLC instructor Nancy Petit. Nancy describes Jordan as an “absolute delight” and “a ray of sunshine.” Jordan is equally effusive about her teacher. “Miss Nancy is great,” she says. “I love her. I appreciate her. If I don’t understand something, she’s always so nice and works to help me out… She will walk it down step by step and if you don’t understand it, she encourages you to ask questions.”
Jordan’s high school years were challenging for multiple reasons. Moving frequently meant starting a new school every year. When she was 16, the death of someone close to her took a huge toll on her mental well-being and she left school, never to return. “I was going through a lot,” Jordan recalls. “I was suffering through depression…and it was just really bad for me. I wanted to go back to school, but it was never the right time.”
At 21, the time is right, and Jordan’s approach to learning is different from her earlier years. She is always one of the most active participants in class, unlike how she was in high school. “I think now that I’m older, I see how serious school is and I can do well,” she says.
Jordan shares that one of her “specialties” is “helping people,” something she plans to continue when she is working in real estate. That helpfulness is evident in the words of encouragement she shares with those contemplating starting SBLC programs to earn their high school diploma: “Go for it. It’s never too late to get your education… Don’t give up because you are a rising star in the making.” Spoken like a true rising star herself.
Volunteer at SBLC
Volunteers play an integral part in supporting SBLC learners on their educational journeys. We have an immediate need for volunteer tutors. As a volunteer tutor, you will work with our adult learners to provide them with the extra support and tools they need to succeed. Learn more about this and other volunteer opportunities here.
Save the Date for Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday, the day of global generosity, is next week! Mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 29, and make plans to support SBLC | Learning Works on this day. We have a goal to meet and hope we can count on you to help reach it. Donate to support adult learners in Baltimore City.