96 Pageviews Read Stories
- EIN 38-2839173
- 43700 Woodward Ave 20 Bloomfield Hills MI 48302-5058 USA
- http://www.oaklandliteracy.net
- Add to Favorites
Promote This Nonprofit
More Nonprofits
Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Adult Education, Education, Literacy, Remedial Reading & Encouragement
Mission: Established in 1984, the Oakland Literacy Council''s mission is to deliver individualized basic reading and English language instruction to adults so that they may attain their literacy goals, develop self-confidence and become independent learners.The Council recruits and trains volunteers who meet weekly with adult learners to teach reading, writing, spelling and conversational English at no cost to the students. Tutoring helps adults who have had unsuccessful educational experiences. Individualized instruction improves their chances for success in a non-threatening way. The Council builds upon the students successes and maximizes the unique strengths of their life experiences. In 2003, the Council generated more than 24,000 hours of volunteer service to the community and worked with over 450 students. The cost to the Council was less than $11 per hour, which can be compared to $30 to $40 per hour charged by commercial instructors. The value of the Councils tutorial service last year (calculated at the modest sum of $20 per hour) was approximately $480,000.
Programs: The Oakland Literacy Council provides literacy services to hundreds of adults each year, recruiting and training volunteers who meet weekly with students to teach reading, writing, spelling and conversational English at no cost to the students. Students are interviewed, reading levels are evaluated and students are then carefully matched with appropriate tutors. Student progress is monitored periodically by phone and more formally assessed semiannually. Tutor training, books, materials and supplemental workshops are provided for tutors and students. Once a year, students, tutors, board members and Council friends gather to celebrate both student and tutor accomplishments.Profile of the Oakland Literacy Council students.Age and personal life: 70% are between 25 and 45 years old; 38% are employed; 43% are parents of young children. Average stay in program: 1.8 years. Percentage of English as Second Language students: 60%, representing 39 countries and 30 different languages. Goals: Obtaining and improving employment are most frequently cited.Witnessing lives dramatically changed by learning to read compels everyone involved to maintain the program. The Council's most dedicated advocates are motivated by the knowledge that learning to read is the first step along an educational continuum that can lead to lifelong learning and literacy, and ultimately a better life.