The Oakland Literacy Council believes that all people have a fundamental right to literacy. With support from our funders, we pair trained, compassionate tutors with adult learners until they become proficient readers, writers, and communicators. As literate adults, they make our communities and our democracy stronger. They contribute to our economy, exercise their voice in their communities, and give their children a solid educational foundation. The Oakland Literacy Council is the only organization dedicated solely to ending adult illiteracy in Oakland County, a large metro Detroit community of 1.25 million people.
Adult Literacy Facts
In Oakland County, Michigan, an estimated 175,000 adults are functioning at the lowest levels of literacy and numeracy, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Nationally, about 48 million adults cannot read above the third-grade level, according to the U.S. Department of Education. It is estimated that bringing all adults to the equivalent of a sixth-grade reading level would generate an additional $2.2 trillion in annual income for the country.
Oakland Literacy Council’s Impact
Every year, Oakland Literacy Council delivers more than 20,000 hours of free instruction to more than 200 adult learners who live, work, or go to school throughout Oakland County, Michigan.
Our trained volunteer tutors help adult learners with everyday literacy and numeracy tasks such as:
Oakland Literacy Council’s Unique Approach
Our approach to adult education features:
- one-on-one instruction
- flexible scheduling
- customized curriculum
- pathways to job training
- GED preparation
- citizenship preparation
- community partnerships to meet other needs.
Learn how you can volunteer as a tutor, become a learner, or donate.
