WORKPLACE LITERACY

Many Georgia businesses have adapted to rapid economic change over the past few years by continuing their commitment to workplace learning for their employees. Through the Workplace Literacy program, these organizations have impacted the lives of thousands of Georgians, providing opportunities for their employees to become more productive, create safer working environments, and to become better-informed parents and more active community members. In fiscal year 2002, Georgia's Workplace Literacy program served 3,564 employees.

The Office of Adult Literacy recognized organizations for sponsoring and sustaining workplace programs by awarding them the Gold and Platinum Governor's Awards for Achievement in Workplace Learning.

A new recognition program was created in FY2002-2003 to salute organizations for making a first-time commitment to workplace learning programs and honor the well-established programs. The awards are presented at the Annual Adult Literacy Celebration.

The Governor's Award for 10 Years Commitment to Workplace Excellence was presented in 2001 to ten companies.

The Governor's Award for 5 Years Commitment to Workplace Excellence was also presented in 2001 and was awarded to sixteen companies.

The Workplace Literacy Pioneer Award was received by sixty-two organizations over the past two years for establishing new workplace learning programs.

The 2001 Workplace Learning Student of the Year was selected from exemplary adult employees in workplace programs around the state of Georgia. In addition, in 2002, twenty employees were recognized with the new STAR Award for their accomplishments in workplace education programs.

Since the inception of the awards in 1991, nearly 750 organizations and businesses have been recognized for their commitment to educating their employees.
The Georgia Legislature has developed incentives under Article 2, Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, 48-7-41 to benefit businesses with workplace programs. The Georgia Tax Credit for Adult Basic Skills Education program provides credit to businesses that fund basic skills education for employees to enhance reading, writing, or mathematical skills up to and including the twelfth grade. The tax credit is $150.00 or an amount equal to one-third of the cost of education per full-time equivalent student; whichever is less, for each employee who successfully completes an approved adult basic skills education program.

Congratulations to the organizations that have made workplace learning a success in Georgia!