Literacy “Connects”. There is intent behind the name.
While our daily activities focus on reading, writing, math, conversational English, creative expression and GED preparation, ultimately one of the greatest things our students achieve is a feeling of connection to our community.
We know that literacy and education is like a pipeline, each step being dependent on the previous. Literacy begins before a child ever steps foot into a classroom. Families that read together build a foundation for success. Young children learn how to read. As they get older the focus shifts to reading to learn. Students who don’t read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave school without a high school diploma. A high school dropout is likely to make less than a graduate and even less than someone with a bachelor’s degree. There is a direct relationship, economically and socially, between low adult literacy levels and unemployment and poverty.
“It takes collaboration across a community to develop
better skills for better lives.” – Jose Angel Gurria
At Literacy Connects we envision a community where every child graduates from high school, crime and poverty rates are low, a skilled workforce is fostering a thriving economy, and the arts and culture environment is second to none.
Our students, of all ages, often tell us they enjoy being able to learn and explore through reading and writing. They have found their voice and have something to share. They’ve gotten a better job, improved their income, are more independent. They can confidently converse. They realize their potential at school, in the workplace, as parents, as consumers and as participants in our community.
It’s important to understand what literacy encompasses. Literacy is not just about reading. It is about so much more. It’s about changing a life’s trajectory, impacting earning potential and engaging in the community or the country or the world.
It’s about creating the capacity to “Connect” in life
any way a person decides.
