The Oakland Literacy Council believes every adult should have the foundational skills they need to obtain family-sustaining jobs, manage their daily affairs, and exercise their voice in civic affairs. As literate adults, they contribute to our economy, strengthen our democracy, and give their children a solid educational foundation. The Oakland Literacy Council provides free one-on-one tutoring to adults who live, work, or go to school in Oakland County, in suburban Detroit with 1.25 million people. Trained volunteers provide instruction in reading, math, digital literacy, English-as-a-Second Language, and preparation for the GED high school equivalency exam.
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.
