Adult Illiteracy's Impact on Communities and Families Explored at Free Luncheon

ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Michigan's neglect of adult education keeps a segment of the state's population out of the skilled labor pool, increasing their reliance on public assistance and wastes an opportunity to increase state revenues. That's according to Gilda Z. Jacobs, CEO of Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP), one of two featured speakers at Washtenaw Literacy's Leaders for Literacy luncheon to be held June 25, at noon, at the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College. The free event will explore how adult illiteracy drains communities of their vibrancy and describe solutions available through robust adult education. 

Reserve a seat here.

Ms. Jacobs will be joined by Scott Menzel, Superintendent, Washtenaw Intermediate School District and recently named Superintendent of the Year for Region 8. Mr. Menzel will discuss Washtenaw County's needs and gaps in the current model in supporting low-skilled adults.

Ms. Jacobs will talk about the MLPP's recently released white paper, Willing to Work, and Ready to Learn:  More Adult Education Would Strengthen Michigan's Economy. 

Leaders for Literacy luncheon is the first in a periodic series of adult literacy awareness-raising events being hosted by Washtenaw Literacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending adult illiteracy.

"Adult literacy is the linchpin to postsecondary education and employment opportunities. Yet thousands of men and women in Washtenaw County struggle with low literacy levels," said Washtenaw Literacy Executive Director Amy Goodman. "We need help from community leaders and corporations to turn this around. As the economy improves, we risk leaving these adults permanently behind."

The luncheon is open to all those interested in learning more about solutions to end adult illiteracy and is free-of-charge, however reservations are encouraged since seating is limited.

To reserve a seat, please call Washtenaw Literacy at (734) 879-1320 or go online to complete this brief form.

While the luncheon begins at noon, attendees are encouraged to arrive at 11:30 a.m. to network with area leaders and learn how they might help end adult illiteracy.

About Washtenaw Literacy

Washtenaw Literacy's purpose is straightforward: we help adults change their lives through literacy. Since 1971 our organization has been devoted to helping men and women improve their reading, writing and English-as-a-Second-Language skills.

Our core program is one-on-one tutoring. This is the approach our first volunteer tutors used in 1971. The reason we still use it today is because it works. Over 90% of adults in our one-on-one tutoring program reach one or more of their goals. Part of this success stems from our "designer tutor" approach. We train each of our volunteer tutors to plan lessons according to the learner's strengths, needs and goals. Adult learners in our program are motivated because they are setting, and meeting, their own standards for success.

This focus on individual goals makes our program unique in the county. Washtenaw Literacy is a critical part of our community's educational continuum. Someday we hope to have no need for our services. Until then, we'll support our volunteer tutors as they help low-literate men and women improve their skills and their lives.

SOURCE Washtenaw Literacy

Related Links

http://washtenawliteracy.org