Washtenaw Literacy

Washtenaw Literacys programs are designed and serve adults who need to improve their reading, writing, numeracy or communication in English. Focused on helping adults find and keep jobs through improving literacy skills, our three essential programs are:

1. Skills First basic skill building in reading, writing, math, English communication and basic digital literacy. Tutoring is customized to the learners goals.
2. Education Now support for educational attainment, such as earning a GED, completing high school credits and earning a diploma, or accessing secondary training programs.
3. Workforce Ready developing literacy-based workforce competencies such as skill building contextualized to job tasks, job seeking or employment soft skills.

All of Washtenaw Literacys services are free to learners. Programs are delivered through a network of highly trained and supervised volunteer tutors. The Washtenaw Literacy volunteer force is 650 strong. Our volunteers can choose to be "Personal Tutors" working either one to one or in small clusters with two or three learners, or they may choose to be an "Open Tutors". Some Personal Tutors continue to work with a learner for years; others fulfill the six month commitment that is expected. Open tutoringtutors can choose drop-in tutoring or commit to time-limited weekly sessions.

Founded more than 40 years ago and entirely funded by donations, Washtenaw Literacy is a 501c3 nonprofit agency serving adults in Washtenaw County. Filling a critical gap in our countys population, our literacy programs serve adults who need to improve their reading, writing, numeracy or communication in English.

Washtenaw Literacys core mission in the community is to provide adult developmental literacy skillstraining, focusing on three critical areas: basic literacy skills, educational attainment training, and jobsand workforce literacy.

As a root cause of unemployment, underemployment, and poverty, low skills contribute to homelessness, food insecurity, poor health outcomes, poor civic involvement, and weak parenting skills. Illiteracy is a hidden cost of living we all bear.

When adults improve their literacy skills, they become more productive employees, more engaged parents, and more responsible health care consumers. It is a tool that leads to lowered dependence on supportive social services. The opportunity to teach adults who are ready to learn is one we can't afford to miss.

Together we can break the cycle of illiteracy in Washtenaw County and build a stronger community.