Donor Information

In South County alone:

• 10,250 area residents 19 or older do not have a high school diploma or GED

• 200 high school students drop out of school annually

• 2,500 adults do not speak English adequately enough to complete a job application,
take the driver’s test or read a newspaper

• 6,455 adults live below the poverty level.

• 135 local adults without a high school diploma are incarcerated at the ACI at a cost
of $4.9 million per year

For nearly thirty years The Education Exchange has been fighting to eradicate adult illiteracy – right here in South County.

By teaching students in their own backyards and tailoring programs to fit individual needs, The Education Exchange has helped more than 15,000 South County residents improve their basic education skills.

South County spans an area of more than 400 square miles, consisting of nine separate towns: Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, Westerly, and West Greenwich. The population is accelerating faster than in any other area of RI. Yet, many year-round residents of southern Rhode Island would not dream of leaving their small town except for very special occasions.

The Staff members at The Education Exchange live and work in South County. They recognize that classes must be provided for a diverse and scattered population that is not accustomed to travel. And they understand that effective adult education classes in South County must be small and relevant, occur where students reside, and be given at convenient times.

This is contrary to what most places do. The current widespread philosophy of “off the rack education” is centralized and homogenized. This may work in cities but not here.

The Education Exchange knows what works. Their flexible outreach programs enable more South County residents to access a wide variety of appropriate adult education and skill programs.

In the long run the tailored approach used by The Education Exchange is more cost effective. But, in order to attract a critical mass of students, the model must continually expand to new and varied locations. This requires extensive outreach and funding efforts to successfully reach area residents and employers.

Current state funding allows for only a limited number of classes at three primary locations. A greater array of classes at well-located sites is necessary to reach the number of students in need.

Education is the most important factor to affect quality of life and future viability. If we want a change to the best future possible for all South County residents we need to provide quality education to those in need. To successfully educate South County residents we must take it upon ourselves to offer attractive options to students.

It’s simple.

The Education Exchange Changes Lives:

“John” was trapped by a lack of mobility, freedom and family history. He felt compelled to stay home and help, yet yearned to leave, explore, discover. He arrived at The Education Exchange speaking in only one or two word phrases – “yes, no, I can’t, don’t know”. He was well intentioned but plagued by lack of follow through. His progress was slow -- nearly immeasurable, but even with large gaps in attendance he kept coming back. He never gave up.


Most of us need a wake-up call.

But not all of us have been sleeping.

Three years later, his body erect, eye contact steady, he had a job and finally a GED.

 One small step in the educational process, yet one giant leap in personal fulfillment and future motivation.

“Sue” was motivated, talented, friendly, a good mother, a good spouse and a hard worker – but she was a dropout. She could do everything except math. When she looked at numbers on a page they made her freeze. She could do her shopping, keep her
checkbook, make car payments and calculate the family budget. But when it came to taking a test – she froze. She was ready to give up. She thought she could never change her life.

There was an option – but, it meant starting over. She didn’t want to “waste” more time, but she decided to take the risk to show others what she knew she could do.

A year later she attended graduation and received her high school diploma through the External Diploma Program. She is now a successful student in one of the medical programs at CCRI.

“Maria” hailed from the teeming, dangerous back allies of Port Au Prince, Haiti. Marriage brought her to Rhode Island. With no formal education she learned of The Education Exchange and came to classes in order to learn English. She soaked up information like the proverbial sponge. Math, English, reading and computers - she wanted to learn everything she could. Now when she comes to class she happily tells tales about her job – the first real employment she has ever had.

 In three years her skills have become so good that she received a paid trip back to Haiti to serve as a translator for other travelers and missionaries. Citizenship classes are next.

“Max” came to The Education Exchange the day after this 60th birthday stating, “I graduated from high school, but I can’t read. He made himself a promise – he wasn’t going to let another birthday go by where he couldn’t read the “Happy Birthday” on the cake or read a storybook to his grandchildren.

By the end of the first year he had a very “happy birthday” and was reading books to his grandchildren.

By the end of year two he felt comfortable with reading shopping labels and the bills that came in the mail. By the end of year three he had completed all the levels in the Wilson Reading program. Most importantly, he was writing his own “Happy Birthday” thank you notes to his family and anxiously awaiting the birth of a new grandchild, who would join the others on his lap to read a book
with Gramps.

John, Sue, Maria and Max. These are the faces of The Education Exchange – students whose lives and futures were completely turned around. Education is a Gift for a Lifetime, and there are many waiting for our help. Your donations now can change lives for countless families -- right in your neighborhood.

With your support The Education Exchange will:

• Continue to lead the effort to ensure excellent and adaptive adult education.

• Provide a pipeline of competent workers to area employers.

• Become a powerful catalyst for community improvement throughout South County.

Your donation will be used to:

• Support year-round classes at a locality in your community

• Sponsor work place skill training

• Purchase books and supplies for individuals and families

Your contribution is an investment for a lifetime.

The choice is obvious, isn’t it?

Thank you for helping to improve the future for many of our

South County neighbors.

The Education Exchange is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.