Adult Literacy

Adult literacy affects many lives

Approximately 53% of the adult population in greater Chicago have low or limited literacy skills.

Our program

Literacy Chicago serves approximately 500 students a year through its tuition-free adult literacy program, which pairs adult learners with volunteer tutors in one-on-one and small-group settings. Sessions cover reading and writing, as well as basic mathematics skills, and are guided by the adult learner’s personal goals. Group gatherings average 12 to 15 students and often focus on a topical area, such as health, phonics or basic life skills.

For more information on our adult literacy program, contact Jan Derrick, Basic Skills/GED Lead Instructor, at Jderrick@literacychicago.org or 312.870.1100.

Class frequency and location

Classes usually take place once a week at various locations. Sessions may take place at Literacy Chicago’s headquarters, as well as at libraries and in other neighborhood settings.

Student orientation

Learning to read isn’t easy. To give our adult learners the best possible chance for success, we carefully evaluate their needs and help them assess their own strengths before they even begin the learning process. Adult learners new to Literacy Chicago are first interviewed, then given a basic reading assessment. A three-session orientation series guides students in recalling past reading experiences and identifying personal literacy goals.

Tutor training

Literacy Chicago is recognized for its comprehensive volunteer training. It is not surprising that other literacy organizations refer their tutors to us to get trained. Literacy Chicago's adult literacy tutors complete a 12-hour training program before being paired with a student. Courses explore characteristics of adult learning, tutoring techniques, lesson planning and learning styles.

Our professional staff serves as an additional resource to volunteers, offering lesson suggestions and study materials as needed. Click on Get Involved for additional information.

Opportunities for partnership

In addition to offering our literacy programs, Literacy Chicago offers training to volunteers from other organizations that want to establish their own adult literacy program at an independent location. For information, contact June Porter, Adult Literacy Coordinator, at Jporter@literacychicago.org or 312.870.1100, ext. 102.

For more information

For more information on participating in the adult literacy program, contact Jan Derrick, Basic Skills/GED Lead Instructor, at Jderrick@literacychicago.org or 312.870.1100.