Literacy For All

Twenty years ago a small group of dedicated volunteers founded The Literacy Center. Their mission was to provide literacy services and educational support of the highest quality to individuals and families seeking to acquire the skills needed to attain personal and employment goals. Our vision is to seek out those who need literacy services, to teach them in a supportive atmosphere, and to enable them to become productive citizens in their community. We place the needs of our students first, offering quality services with integrity and confidentiality.

We have been meeting those needs in the community ever since, working with adult who are seek to earn a GED, learn to speak English, or earn Citizenship. We now have a small staff of 15 and over 100 active volunteer tutors, serving 300 students per year in classes, small tutoring groups, or one on one. We help people realize their dreams for themselves and their families.

Three years ago we were able to purchase new equipment for the computer laboratory. Through the generous donation of Microsoft we loaded each of the 12 computers with Microsoft Office Professional. For the first time, classes could visit the lab and learn to use internet resources, email and word processing. Tutors were able to use the computer lab for their students and leave them with homework assignments. Our building is open for 12 hours per day and we found students coming in between classes to use the computers for job searches, communication, and to further their general knowledge. Students worked with WORD, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. We purchased software to help students learn English and how to type. A representative from the Public Library showed teachers how students could access their online resources that offered practice tests in GED and Citizenship as well as career exploration options. Students were taken in groups to the library to get cards. They then could then access these resources from any computer.

Our annual graduation ceremony was enhanced by PowerPoint presentations that students created on their native countries. We currently have students from 37 different countries in our English for Speakers of Other Languages Classes as well as many native born students who are working on their GED. All celebrated their accomplishments together.

Many of our students are seeking employment. That is a challenge for them as they often don’t have a high school diploma or English language skills. Using the computer laboratory, all students were able to create resumes. Since filling out job applications is difficult for people with limited English or reading skills, a resume is very helpful. Students were able to check dates, past employment and skills in advance and be prepared to fill out a job application. With the help of their teachers, they were able to practice filling out online applications as well and wrote sample thank you notes.

Students also worked on career exploration activities. They researched different jobs, educational opportunities and career paths. Each year, the unit on careers ends in a Career Night. Twelve volunteers from the community come to The Literacy Center for an evening to conduct Mock Interviews. Students created job descriptions in advance, chose appropriate careers and worked on their interview skills. They dressed for the evening in appropriate interview clothing and took the opportunity very seriously, impressing all of the volunteers. Students were interviewed in groups of 3 and were given immediate feedback on their strengths and weaknesses so they could learn from each other. Following Career Night, the students again used the computer lab to write thank you notes to the volunteer interviewers. All received a boost of confidence from the volunteers that enabled them to continue their job search.

During tutor training we encourage volunteer tutors to take advantage of the technology that we have available. Our students are able to advance more quickly and build their confidence because of what we have to offer.