Adult Basic Education/English Language Acquisition

To be successful at work, in higher education, or in a vocational program, adults must have a firm grasp of the basics of math, reading, writing and English speaking. SER and its partners have developed and are administering some of the most successful, accessible Adult Basic Education/English Language Acquisition programs in the country, helping thousands of adult learners master the fundamentals necessary to becoming productive workers and effective family leaders.

In New Mexico, the SER GED Program won the Outstanding ABE Program of the Year award from the New Mexico Higher Education Department. In Massachusetts, SER provides a Success for Life program designed to transition English language learners into more advanced speakers who are capable of completing college level coursework and achieving their professional goals.

Ocuppationals Skills Training

It takes more than just desire to get a job that pays enough to support a family. It takes a strong set of skills and a solid work ethic, too. That's why SER and its extensive network of partners around the country have linked up to provide Occupational Skills Training for people seeking work in business and industry. Trainees know they can count on SER National for the best instruction around, and employers know that people who complete our programs have the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace.

Southeastern Massachusetts SER operates a business and technical school licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Education; SER Florida operates a technical school accredited by ACICS.

Youth Development

SER operates job readiness and placement programs for high-risk youth populations in many communities and successfully achieved goals. In Illinois, the WIA out-of-school youth program has met and exceeded performance measures for over five years. In Michigan, Illinois, and Texas, the Summer Youth Internship Programs met performance measures during the 2009 and 2010.

In Florida, SER serves only youth involved in the criminal justice system, and the program is having a profound and positive effect. Over 80% of the program's young participants have been promoted to the next high school grade level, and outside evaluators confirmed that the youth have shown across-the-board improvements in their attitudes towards school, their commitment to school, their self-worth, and their family management skills.

School Based Learning

In SER's alternative high school in New Mexico, students may elect to participate in building trades, computer technology or patient care technician training, graduating with both academic and skill-related credentials. The school was the only Santa Fe high school to meet the No Child Left Behind Act's required Adequate Yearly Progress measures for the past two years. In Pennsylvania, the SER charter school was the only secondary school in its district to meet Adequate Yearly Progress during the last three out of four years.

Technology Training

SER is committed to closing the digital divide - the term used to describe the segments of society without access to Information Technology and its potential to improve life and livelihood.

SER bridges the gap by providing easy access, not only to computers, but also to the knowledge it takes to use them effectively to reach a higher level of education and achievement. Access to technology also helps underserved populations - including people with disabilities - with language acquisition and new delivery methods for learning materials. By providing easy access to technology, SER motivates young people to stay in school and provides opportunities for people of all ages to improve their quality of life and economic futures.

SER locations have public access centers or resource rooms where adults and youth can use the latest technology to create a resume, look for a job, or research potential career opportunities. Not only does SER provide access to technology, but SER also offers computer literacy training to thousands of individuals across the country. From the basics of using computers and word processing systems to more advanced presentation and database skills, SER's customers are prepared with the technology skills it takes to succeed in today's job market.

For more than three decades, SER's partnership with IBM has brought many innovative programs to the network of SER affiliates so they can better assist their customers. IBM is SER's oldest and largest supporter, with a total contribution of $15 million in products and services.