National Literacy Directory
www.nationalliteracydirectory.org
Project
The National Literacy Directory is a nationwide project to promote literacy through advocacy and shared resources. The website is used as a springboard for referring both potential students and volunteers to nearby programs to help improve lives using literacy.
Opportunity
The National Literacy Directory has a database of over 10,000 educational agencies located across the US. The problem was there was no way to easily access and manage all of these resources. The National Literacy Foundation contacted DBS to develop a website where users can easily search program referrals for help with reading and writing, math, learning English as a second language, GED training, and testing.
Solution
A variety of custom programming was necessary for the National Literacy Directory website to function as a true resource. The DBS>Interactive programming team provided solutions that provide an extensive searchable database of programs, the ability to create and view custom reports, a call center dashboard, and management of educational agencies listed in the directory.
Custom Reporting
Reporting features allow administrators to gauge the activity levels, as well as success and failure metrics with reporting features provided on the website. Reports indicate the amount of referrals, location of individual, the referral source, and type of help desired. These reports demonstrate the overall level of impact the program is making.
Surveys conducted help convey the success level of each referral, and provide feedback about programs. Survey results indicate the referee’s enrollment status, demographic, educational needs, motivations for seeking help, and resulting accomplishments. Custom reports detailing survey data are available for administrators. Periodic tuning of the website allows it to better meet the needs of both the parent umbrella organizations and the beneficiaries.
Generated Messaging Capabilities
Custom programming allows administrators to generate letters and e-mails for follow-up inquiries in both e-mail and print form. These are used to contact program referrals with resources that can help them reach their goals, complete with name, address, and program information. This simplifies the process of contacting a large number of recipients, ensuring interested individuals receive the information necessary to receive the help they are seeking.
Program Management
Administrators can easily add and update program information to provide the most up to date list of resources. An easy to use interface was designed to provide management of programs listed in the directory. Program administrators can suggest resources to be added into the database, which has grown exponentially since its creation to become an exhaustive nationwide resource. Individuals interested in volunteering can receive referral information from the site.
