In the US, 36 million adults struggle to read and write simple English. Responding to this critical challenge, the Literacy Council offers free, confidential, one-on-one reading and English language instruction to adult learners in Frederick County, 90% of whom are non-native English speakers. Group classes help students further hone their skills, providing additional coursework in pronunciation, writing, civics, and computers. On-the-job classes at small businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, make attendance easier for employees working multiple shifts or even multiple jobs. And the Literacy Council regularly offers extra support for learners who need assistance with GED prep, citizenship tests, social services applications, and more. Last year, 162 volunteers provided 17,500 hours of service to 262 learners. Illiteracy is a multi-generational challenge: a mother’s reading level is the greatest determinant of her child’s academic success. Let’s break the cycle.
COVID-19 Update:
Tutoring and class instruction programs use distance learning platforms, something that LCFC had always wanted to do but in which it had not previously been able to invest the time. Prior to COVID it had been teaching workplace literacy classes for hotel housekeeping staff. LCFC worked closely with hotel management and was able quickly to integrate new hotel industry cleaning/sanitizing vocabulary and protocols into its workplace curriculum.
Headquarters: MD-Frederick County
Where They Operate: MD-Frederick County
Age Groups Served: Adult (25-49)
Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Immigrants/Refugees
Schools They Work In: Butterfly Ridge Elementary School; Hillcrest Elementary School; Lincoln Elementary School; Waverley Elementary School; Judy Center
- Number of adult learners we served this past year:
250 adults supporting 102 families and 196 children - Number of volunteers who worked with us in 2020:
125 (contributing 13,000 hours of service) - Number of 12-week workplace English classes taught last year for employees in hospitality and manufacturing/assembly jobs:
8 - Number of adults receiving weekly tutoring from 97 volunteer tutors:
115 - Number of adults attending volunteer-facilitated weekly community classes each quarter:
89
Awards & Recognition
Visit Frederick's Ambassador of the Year Award for Workplace English Classes for Hospitality Employees - October 2020
Press
- Literacy Council Seeks New Volunteer Tutors
Sun Oct 31 2021, The Frederick News-Post
The Literacy Council is recruiting more volunteers to help support adult learners in its tutoring and class programs.
- Literacy Council Honors Students at Celebration
Wed Jan 27 2021, The Frederick News-Post
The Literacy Council honored its adult learners at the organization's seventh annual Celebration of Achievements with a special tribute.
- Literacy Council Receives Ambassador of Year Award
Wed Jan 20 2021, The Frederick News-Post
Visit Frederick presented its Ambassador of the Year Award to the Literacy Council for supporting workplace English classes.
- Partner in Literacy Award to Plamondon Hospitality Partners
Thu Dec 31 2020, The Frederick News-Post
The Literacy Council awarded its annual Business & Industry Partner in Literacy Award for supporting workplace English classes.
Budget (FY0)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
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