Our Mission
Our mission is to close the learning gap, reduce the dropout rate, and develop underserved children of all ages and diverse backgrounds by allowing them an equal opportunity for learning and personal growth.
Our Story
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The Joseph Learning Lab (JLL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families in underserved communities, through after-school tutoring and summer enrichment programs that include meal provisions.
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Early on in our time volunteering with an established Adopt-A-School Program, it was quickly realized that there was a strong need to connect with students at a young age. Students who fall behind in reading and math as early as elementary school start to form thoughts of dropping out. This realization became a driving force behind our decision to build a nonprofit dedicated to helping children learn.
Far too many children were being left behind the learning curve, making it clear that it was time for us to step up. Learning gaps limit opportunities for countless students, and the need to bridge those gaps is more critical than ever, especially for children in underserved communities. This urgent need is a key reason why the Joseph Learning Lab (JLL) was founded in 2015.
JLL functions at an optimal level thanks to strong partnerships, collaborative community support, a skilled volunteer base, and effective Board governance, all of which help sustain our programs and operations. Our dedicated Board of Directors and a skilled volunteer base are central to our ability to serve communities in need. As a result, JLL has grown into a hybrid learning environment, offering a proven learning solution that effectively supports student achievement.
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We welcome students K-12 with a commitment to bridge the learning gap and help children get on track and excel via our free tutoring and mentoring services.
Founder
As the need to close the learning gap grew, Gert Joseph Williams stepped up to the challenge. She is Founder and Executive Director of the Joseph Learning Lab (JLL). Gert is passionate about education, and sets the strategic direction to ensure JLL's goals and objectives are met. She has several decades of experience working with students of various ages, grade levels, learning abilities, and has also served as a mentor at aviation education career camps. Gert holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration-Management from California State University Dominguez Hills. She has a National Professional Network-Sailing to Success Certification from Howard University.
Her involvement and impact within the community date back to mid-1990. During her tenure as an information technology leader at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Gert and her colleagues adopted an elementary school in South Los Angeles. Throughout this time, she tutored and mentored hundreds of students through successful after-school reading, math and aviation education programs; while also sponsoring holiday toy and food drives, providing school supplies, and organizing educational field trips.​
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Upon retiring, Gert decided to focus her full-time efforts on tutoring and impactful education to reach “One Child at a Time.” She developed a comprehensive educational program that integrates technology into the curriculum and incorporates solutions with blended learning.
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In 2018, through her efforts, JLL adopted Dooley Elementary School in Long Beach as part of the Adopt-a-School program (1100 students). Gert was awarded a Star Volunteer Award for her services. She has been awarded numerous honors and recognition for her contributions to underserved communities and continues to serve the community.
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Our Team
Founder and Executive Director: Gert Joseph Williams
Gert is a change advocate with decades of experience and a passion for making a difference. It shows in her care, support, and attention to each and every student at the Joseph Learning Lab (JLL). She is actively invested in improving academic achievement for students, and partners with the Long Beach Unified School District and California State Universities. She has taken the Joseph Learning Lab
beyond tutoring, by expanding educational opportunities and mentoring for underserved children to help shape their future.
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Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors is made up of entrepreneurs and community members, who have a vested interest in bettering the learning experience for underserved children. The Board is uniquely qualified to move the organization forward, and is dedicated to the cause. We value their contributions to keep our nonprofit thriving.
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Tutors, Teachers, and Mentors:
We are a donation-based organization that primarily relies on the good work of volunteers. Our volunteers are invaluable to the learning experience of each student. They are well-educated and come from diverse backgrounds as teachers, college and graduate students, medical professionals, attorneys, business leaders and entrepreneurs. Each volunteer strives for the same goal, which is to support our mission and "Help One Child at a Time."
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​Executive Director
​JLL Support
Testimonials
I can't tell you how grateful we are for all the extra help during a very difficult year. My child has improved in her reading tremendously and I believe it was because of this program.
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JLL Student’s Parent
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Good morning, thank you so much for taking so good care of my grandchild. Her whole demeanor about school has changed and she is more focused, love to learn and she is doing so much better.
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Thank you for all you have done for her. Looking forward to having summer session with you.
JLL Student’s Grandparent
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My student’s grades are C's with one B (from all F's), and still improving in math. Much better than when he started. I'm very proud of him. He worked so hard for this! He is very proud of himself!
JLL Tutor
My student and I met today, Tuesday and it has been going really great. He received a B and an A on his last two math tests!!! We will meet next week for our Monday session.
JLL Tutor, Mr. Fred