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The Learning Bank is a community-based adult education and employment program in Southwest Baltimore. It serves over 600 adults each year through a variety of instructional modes. Most Learning Bank services are free. HOW AND WHEN DID IT START? In 1983 COIL (Communities Organized to Improve Life), an umbrella organization of neighborhood groups, initiated a literacy program for adults at 1137 West Baltimore Street in Southwest Baltimore. Services were started with 20 learners and tutors. Maryland National Bank allowed us to use their closed branch bank at 1223 West Baltimore Street to expand the program and The Learning Bank opened its doors in January 1988. In December 1989 Maryland National Bank generously donated the building. The program grew and in a few years had outgrown this facility as well. A 27,000 square foot facility was purchased in November 1995, a capital campaign was launched, and renovations were begun in May 1996. In March 1997 the new Learning Bank was dedicated. The three-story, light-filled Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Building houses classrooms, two computer labs, a library, lunch room, tutor and teacher areas, administrative offices and informal gathering space. WHAT RECOGNITION HAS THE LEARNING BANK RECEIVED? Commendations have been received on the local, state and federal levels. The program was named by the State Department of Education as a model of networking in literacy in 1984, and as one of two exemplary adult literacy programs in Maryland in 1988. In 1991 Literacy Volunteers of America recognized The Learning Bank as Affiliate of the Year and The Learning Bank's Director was chosen as a national "Literacy Luminary" by Coors Brewing Company. In 1998 the State Department of Education presented an Outstanding Performance Award to The Learning Bank for serving the most in need at the beginning literacy level.