Get Involved

You can change lives

Volunteers like you make all the difference in improving the lives of Literacy Chicago’s adult learners. With limited staff resources, we rely heavily on volunteers to help execute our mission. Literacy Chicago offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to suit your schedule and personal goals.

Adult Literacy tutoring

Adult Literacy (AL) tutors work one on one with adult learners for 1½- to 2-hour sessions. Tutoring may take place at Literacy Chicago’s headquarters or off site.

Volunteers must complete a 12-hour AL training course prior to beginning tutoring. The training courses are held over two consecutive Saturdays (six hours each) at the Literacy Chicago office. Training workshops are scheduled every four to six weeks and cost $35. This nominal fee covers the cost of all classroom material. Once volunteers have completed training they will be matched with a student. Find out more about our Adult Literacy program.

Volunteer Application Tutor Training Registration Form

Associate Board

Literacy Chicago's Associate Board is a group of young professionals dedicated to advancing literacy throughout the Chicagoland area. For more information about joining the Associate Board, contact Lisa McCaskill, Development and Communications Manager, at Lmccaskill@literacychicago.org or 312.870.1100, ext. 101.

English as a Second Language tutoring

Tutors for our English as a Second Language (ESL) program work individually with non-native speakers to improve their English communication skills. Tutors do not need to speak a foreign language, and the tutoring schedule is flexible.

Volunteer tutors must complete a 12-hour ESL training course prior to beginning tutoring. The training courses are held over two consecutive Saturdays (six hours each) at the Literacy Chicago office. Training workshops are scheduled every four to six weeks and cost $35. This nominal fee covers the cost of all classroom material. Once volunteers have completed training, they are matched with a student. Find out more about our English as a Second Language program.

Volunteer Application Tutor Training Registration Form

Event volunteers

Literacy Chicago holds various social and fundraising events throughout the year to raise awareness of the need for adult literacy. We are always in need of Event Committee volunteers to help in the planning stages. Also, during Literacy Chicago events, we rely on volunteers to assist with onsite details and preparations. Find out more about Literacy Chicago events.

Volunteer Application. For more information, contact Lisa McCaskill, Development and Communications Manager, at Lmccaskill@literacychicago.org or 312.870.1100, ext. 101.

Internships

College students can earn college credit while learning professional skills. Interns have several program areas to explore, including English as a Second Language, Adult Literacy, Adult Basic Education, special events, development or marketing. Internship time commitments may vary from six to 40 hours per week, on weekdays or Saturdays.

For more information or to apply for an internship, contact Literacy Chicago at 312.870.1100 and ask for the department that interests you.

For more information

To learn more about how you can get involved, contact Lisa McCaskill, Development and Communications Manager, at Lmccaskill@literacychicago.org or 312.870.1100, ext. 101.