South Baltimore Learning Center

Program Overview

The mission of South Baltimore Learning Center is to improve the self-sufficiency of educationally disadvantaged adults. SBLC is a community-based nonprofit organization providing functional literacy and life skills training, in addition to career preparation services, to residents in the Baltimore Area. SBLC serves on average 1,000 learners annually from all over Baltimore City.

SBLC's program's include:

-Baltimore's National External Diploma Program (NEDP) which offers an alternative path to getting a Maryand High School diploma

-One-to-one basic literacy tutoring program

-ABE, pre-GED and GED classes held during 12-week fall, 12-week winter, 10-week spring and 8-week summer sessions at our main facility on E. Ostend St and at partner sites in neighborhoods around Baltimore City

- Community Technology Center

- Drop-In Tutoring Center

- Enrolled learners have access to free Math/Technology clinics, Caree Pathway Plannin services, Academic/Retention Counseling, and open computer lab hours.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

"I just got comfortable with the fact I did not finish school," Pamela Robinson shared with the Class of 2016 during her graduation speech. "Over the years I went from job to job
until I found a job I liked, settled in, and said I would do this until I retired."

But she could not settle for long. After years of working as a laundry attendant, Pamela, 62, could no longer keep up with the physical demands of her job and it was costing
her health-wise. She knew that in order for her to get another job, she neededto get her high school diploma.

Growing up, Pamela would often miss school and fall behind in her classes. "When you fall behind in things, it's hard to catch up," she explained during her speech. After years of feeling discouraged in school, in addition to the added responsibilities of
having a child at a young age, Pamela decided to drop out and get a job when she was in the 10th grade.

Pamela tried to go back to school many times over the years. However, whenever she would start, she would soon get discouraged or some difficulty would arise and she would quit.
When she decided to get her high diploma at SBLC after being unable to keep up with her job, she came with a renewed perseverance. Originally starting in GED™ classes, she came in on Saturdays and worked with her tutors to bring her math
scores up, eventually retesting and qualifying for the National External Diploma Program. "I fought my fear of
failing and being discouraged, I fought the fear of being the oldest student in the class," she reflected.

Now that she has her high school diploma, Pamela is currently enrolled in the Baltimore School of the Bible and is working towards becoming ordained minister.