Bridging the Gap
About Bridging the Gap
LCAC's Bridging the Gap program lives out our more than 45-year motto, “a hand up, not a hand out." Bridging the Gap provides a variety of services that address literacy across the age spectrum and employment-related issues which prevent immigrant and native-born households from becoming self-sufficient.
All components of LCAC's Bridging the Gap program are offered at LCAC. English as a Second Language (ESL); summer and school break programs for area children; the Back2School outreach; adult introductory computer classes; and the drop-in resume program are all components of the Bridging the Gap program. Addressing a variety of literacy and educational issues for households, through education and opportunity, allows adults and children to experience literacy advancement.
Currently, all classes are offered in a virtual environment for the safety of families and volunteers.
For Adults
Computer Skills Courses
LCAC offers a Introduction to Computer Basics & an introduction to Microsoft word to help enhance clients' technical literary in the digital age.
Computer Basics
- * 4-week course
- * Introduces clients to relevant jargon, typing skills & more
Introduction to Microsoft Word
- * 6-week course
- * Based on Microsoft 10
ESL
Beginner courses are offered throughout the year & are designed to teach the foundation skills adult English language learners (ELLs) need to learn to speak, understand, read, and write English. The curriculum focuses on American culture and life skills important to the workplace, community, and family, which includes an introduction to technology through blended learning. Intermediate courses are also available to those who place out of the beginner program.
In Partnership with…
Resume Workshop
Adults work with a resume coach to both complete their resume and then begin a job search. Resume help is scheduled upon request.
Kids Programming
Summer
The construction of the Lorton Community Center has eliminated LCAC’s outdoor space for kids summer programming. To protect kids served through the program, LCAC has developed our Kids Summer Programming kits. Kits will be given throughout the summer to registered children and youth and engage in STEM, nutrition and a variety of other areas.
These grab-n-go activities are designed to spark creativity and keep our kids and teens boredom-free this summer. If you are interested in participating please register through SignUp Genius. Please Note: You will have the option of choosing how many kids to prepare and donate.
We ask that you include simple instructions in the kits if necessary. The kits can have a theme and encouraging messages of love, care and motivation.
Kits can be dropped off at LCAC beginning Monday, June 22 during donation drop offs: Mondays 9:00 – 3:00 p.m., Tuesdays 9:00 – 3:00 p.m. and Thursdays 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
If you have any questions please e-mail Camille Sanchez, Director of Client Education.
Back to School
Back to School is often a challenging time for our families and this year is no exception. Many of our families have experienced a deeper financial impact as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and need your help!
In consultation with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), LCAC will be working directly with the county and a local vendor to purchase pre-packaged, sanitized school supply kits to our families. These kits are designed with everything a student will need for supplies at home. Each kit costs $10 dollars and will help our students adapt to their new normal this school year.
We understand this is a huge change from previous years. However for the safety of donors, volunteers and staff, utilizing pre-packed kits mean that all kids have the same supplies, donors don’t need to go to stores to find materials, and we are providing exactly what FCPS feels is best for “our kids".
K- 6th Supply List
- Composition book (qty 2, wide rule, 100 sheets)
- Crayons (qty 1 box, 24 count)
- Eraser (qty 1, large pink)
- Folders (qty 2, plastic, various colors, with 2 pockets, no prongs)
- Glue sticks (qty 2, .21 oz)
- Pencils #2 (qty 1 box, 10 count)
- Colored Pencils (qty 1 package, 12 count)
- Earbuds w/ mic (qty 1)
- Pencil sharpener (qty 1)
- Scissors (qty 1, 5” blunt tip stainless)
- Pencil Pouch (qty 1, soft sided, not pencil box)
- Dry Erase Marker (qty 1, black)
- Dry Erase Board 8.5x 11 (qty 1)
Middle School and High School
- Colored pencils (qty 1 package, 24 ct.)
- Eraser (qty 1, large pink)
- Folders (qty 2, plastic, various colors, with 2 pockets, no prongs)
- Highlighter (qty 2, assorted colors)
- Pens (qty 5, medium ball point, 2 black, 2 blue and 1 red)
- Pencils #2 (qty 1 box, 8 count)
- Pencil Sharpener (qty 1)
- 3-Ring Binder (qty 1, 1” size, assorted colors)
- Filler Paper (qty 1, college rule)
- 5 Tab Dividers (qty 1, paper, insertable)
- Earbuds w/ mic (qty 1)
- Pencil pouch (qty 1, soft sided)
- Sticky notes, 3×3 (qty 1)
- Zip Bag for kit contents (12×18 clear plastic handle bag)