Adult Literacy

The Literacy Coalition manages a Literacy Hotline referring adults to programs throughout the county where they can receive the help they need to increase their basic literacy or English language skills or prepare to take the GED test. Extensive marketing through bus signs, posters, bookmarks, public service announcements and participation at community events promotes awareness of the literacy resources available in the community. The Literacy Coalition’s Outreach Program also recruits and trains volunteer tutors to serve adult learners at numerous community locations.

2011-2012 Program Outcomes:

  • 1,364 Literacy Hotline calls were received.
  • 968 adults were referred to literacy programs.
  • 162 volunteers were trained to be adult literacy tutors.
  • 396 volunteers were provided with tutoring information.

PROGRAM IMPACT

I have been coming to the Adult Education Center since September 2009. My skills have improved a lot since I first started even though I still have a way to go. One of the main reasons that I have been able to improve is because of the personal help from the school’s tutor, Mr. John Schmidt. He has helped me by explaining things in a simple way. He is very tolerant and patient. He always encourages me to continue and tells me that I can do it. I am so grateful that there is a program like this and there is a special tutor that is interested in working with me so that I can one day reach my goal of passing my GED.

–Raymond Myles, Adult Learner

I have been volunteering at the Adult Education Center for almost six years. During this time I have worked with both older and younger adults. I have found that students are more comfortable working in smaller groups where I tell them that the only “dumb” question is the one they don’t ask. Students often are reluctant to ask questions when they think that the rest of the class understands and they don’t want to be embarrassed. The gratitude that students express when they “get it” has been the most rewarding aspect of my volunteer work. Quite often for students whose first language is not English, overcoming the language barrier is a significant hurdle. Reassuring them and encouraging them is of paramount importance. I feel that the students that I have been able to help have given me as much in return as I have been able to give them. Students who have passed their GED have returned to thank me for the help that I’ve given them. Nothing could be more satisfying.

–John Schmidt, Volunteer Tutor