Annual Membership Meeting

The Literacy Council held its annual membership meeting in Eastport on May 15. We discussed our activities and accomplishments for the year and looked ahead to FY25. Thanks to all who attended.

Who & how are we helping?

As of April 30, we know that AACLC tutors worked with 162 students so far this fiscal year, which closes on May 31. We assessed 91+ new or returning students throughout the year. These totals do not include the students we evaluate and tutor at county correctional/detention centers.

In a few weeks, when we add up all the Literacy Council volunteer hours donated in 2024, we’ll likely surpass 14,000. Translated to a simple monetary value, these hours contributed more than $475,000 to Anne Arundel County communities where assistance is needed most.

Student Achievements Through April

Six AACLC students earned high school diplomas this fiscal year!

Fourteen students got a job or a better job, 6 entered other educational programs or training, 16 completed a book in their curriculum, and 32 improved their English language skills. Three students passed the U.S. citizenship test, and one passed the ASVAB for entrance into the military. One student got his Commercial Driver’s License (see below), and another became a licensed practical nurse.

The impact of our work reaches beyond our students and extends to their children, families, workplaces, and communities.

Tutors, assessors, and volunteers — thank you for all you are doing to improve lives in Anne Arundel County!

Here’s a snapshot of our student demographics for FY24:

Please welcome Caroline Cañas to our Board of Directors. Caroline was elected to the Board on March 20.

With a background of diverse administrative experience, Caroline has developed strong skills in project coordination, task management, and fostering meaningful connections. In her most recent role as an Executive Assistant at The Arc of the Central Chesapeake Region, she became a resource for Spanish-speaking families and has supported her team through project coordination and execution while also supporting day-to-day administrative tasks. In her previous roles in the Fair Practices Department at the Administrative Office of the Courts and as a bilingual paralegal at Jezic & Moyse, LLC she first gained insight into ways she could help the challenges faced by minority communities. As someone who had benefited from ESL programs in her youth, it ignited her interest in providing resources and support to underserved populations.

Fluent in Spanish and motivated by opportunities to create positive change (particularly for those confronting language barriers), Caroline is excited to contribute to the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a dedication to inclusivity. She would like to leverage her skills to promote equitable access to education and hopes to find resources to advance the impact of the ESL program.

To learn more about our Board of Directors, visit our website.

Jane Seiss, Executive Director

CLICK HERE to learn more about our volunteers.