Shortly thereafter, the Los Angeles Mission contracted with Lighthouse to develop an adult educational program for the homeless men and women on their rehabilitation program. Using the concept of individualized computer-enhanced learning, the development of the NOVA Program was then begun. Although the mission began with several computers and the initial release of the adult literacy course, the curriculum emphasis shifted to School of Tomorrow workbooks. Adult males do not respond well to materials designed for children. The recurring cost of consumable student workbooks can be excessive.
Workbooks take longer and are less effective than interactive courseware.
Teachers may have problems adapting to learning-based programs. Shortly thereafter, the first Innovative Learning Center was established at Goodwill Home and Missions in Newark, New Jersey. In November of 1991 Ron hired the first two staff for the new learning center at the Los Angeles Mission. To commemorate the opening of the Innovative Learning Center and implementation of the NOVA Program, First Lady Barbara Bush led a dedication ceremony on the 2nd of March. Subsequent to completion of the initial development contract, the LA Mission contracted with ILS to oversee learning center operations and to continue further development of the NOVA Program.