GREENFIELD — The Literacy Project was recently awarded $653,616 for each of the next five years by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, representing a 12% increase over the nonprofit’s last round of funding from the department.

“We were thrilled to pieces, very pleased and proud,” said Executive Director Judith Roberts. “This funding award means we’ll be able to well serve our students.”

The grant is among $50 million awarded this year to support adult education services, according to a statement from the Baker-Polito administration. The awards were announced in late December.

“This historic level of funding to adult education service providers across the commonwealth will open up additional seats for adult learners to gain knowledge and career skills,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. “These grants will benefit not only residents but employers and communities across the commonwealth.”

The Literacy Project, which offers free adult basic education classes, has locations in Amherst, Northampton, Greenfield, Orange and Ware. More than 200 students ages 16 and up study with The Literacy Project each year to complete their high school education and prepare for college and careers.

The grant, through which $653,616 will be awarded annually over five years, is based on The Literacy Project’s outcomes, Roberts explained.

“We have consistently gotten very, very good outcomes with our students,” she said. “The prime outcome is passing the GED, which is also known as the High School Equivalency Test, or the HiSET.”

Other outcomes include progressing to college and finding better jobs.

“I want to be clear that it’s really our students that do the work of going back to school, getting their High School Equivalency Test, and creating a better life for them and their families,” Roberts said. “We couldn’t be more proud of the work they do.”

Roberts said The Literacy Project has added classes and plans to hire new teachers.

“Before the pandemic, we taught only in person,” she recounted. “During the pandemic, we went all online. Now, we do a mix of both and really it’s the best way to serve our students.”

Between people who work day jobs and the lack of public transportation in the North Quabbin region, online classes in the evenings are often preferable. The grant will allow the nonprofit to keep serving its students in this way.

Beyond DESE funding, which supports between 50% and 60% of its total budget, The Literacy Project relies on donations from businesses and individuals, Roberts said.

“We count on community support,” she said. “I must say that our greater community has stepped up and been very generous to The Literacy Project. We’re very grateful to all the individuals and organizations who have contributed funding to us.”

According to Roberts, second-semester classes started this week, but enrollment is still welcome as The Literacy Project accepts students on a rolling basis. For more information, visit literacyproject.org.

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

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