Laschinski Emerson
Laschinski T. Emerson was born, raised and educated in the Jackson, MS area. She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry from Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS. Laschinski has been married to Gary Emerson for 37 years and they have one child, Justin Emerson.
Laschinski moved to Oak Ridge TN, to work as a Chemist at the Oak Ridge National
Laboratory. After 10 years as a Chemist, Laschinski had a vision to begin A 1 Learning Connections because service for others was instilled in her heart by her parents who were educators for over forty years. They went above and beyond their duties to help ensure that their students had the skills, tools and knowledge needed for success. A 1 was originally started as a tutoring and enrichment organization where contracts were in place to provide services for Kthrough college students in most subject areas. Laschinski has always enjoyed volunteering her time helping students reach their goals and dreams through tutoring and enrichment at local churches and community centers. She believes every child should be valued, treated with respect and enrichment should empower a child to make a positive contribution to our world.
Laschinski received additional instruction from God to transition A 1 Learning Connections to a non-profit extended learning teaching institute for under-served youth in the Knoxville, TN area. The name of the program is The S.M.A.R.T. (Science, Math, Art, Reading, Technology) Institute. Its mission is to help bridge the educational and enrichment gap of enrolled students while providing valuable hands-on experiences. The Extended Learning program provides tutorial and enrichment for subjects that students are currently enrolled, provide test taking and writing strategies, and provide other real-world classes for parents and students. The following is a sample of the type of classes offered: Basic Money Management, Active Choices. Mindfulness Gardening and Art, Anime, Graphic Design, STEM, Chess, Character and Leadership Building. Adult Education classes and Carbon Fiber Manufacturing “SkillCrafters” seminars are services provided by the program as well.
A 1 Learning Connections has served over 3,000 students and their families since its inception in 2008. 100% of all participating students have improved their English and Math grades by at least one letter grade during each school year. School attendance, school and institute behavior and participant’s overall outlook on life has greatly improved as a result of attending regular institute programming. 90% of all students receive post-secondary education. The S.M.A.R.T. Institute is honored to provide services at Austin East Magnet High School, Vine Middle Magnet School, and Community Evangelistic Church while utilizing the services of dedicated community professionals.
Laschinski taught chemistry in Mississippi and Tennessee prior to establishing A 1 Learning
Connections. She is a Silver Star member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Pi Omega
Foundation Board Member, Member of The Alcorn State University Alumni Association,
Officer on the TN HBCU Success Advisory Board, Member of Overcoming Believers Church, Member of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, Member of The American Chemical Society, an active Mentor with the 21st Century Community Learners Program. Laschinski has received numerous awards for Youth Development including the Distinguished Service Award from the Knoxville Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission and the FBI Director’s Award.
Laschinski Emerson and the staff at A 1 strive daily to enable and empower youth of today to be triumphant in the world of tomorrow by using their motto “Excellence Without Excuses”.
Phone Number: (865) 384-4048
Email: lemerson@A1LearningConnections.com