Our thanks to the Rotary Club of Annapolis for its support of our free tutoring programs for adults. The Rotary Club provided a grant from the proceeds of its 2021 Crab Feast so that we may buy math materials for students living in Annapolis.
On February 23 from 7 pm until about 8:30 pm, the Literacy Council will offer an evening Tutor Roundtable via Zoom to discuss adult learning and working with students during challenging times. We’ll talk about in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats for tutoring. What’s going well, ways we’ve adapted, how to be flexible, and how to address difficulties. Tutors will be encouraged to share their experiences. Please email Wendy to reserve a spot.
On March 26, we will host a day-long Tutor Training Workshop for new tutors interested in working with literacy, ESL, math, and high school equivalency students. The session will happen at Woods Church in Severna Park from 9 am until about 3 pm. Space is limited, please email Jane to inquire about attending.
Anne Arundel County Literacy Council is a member of the international literacy nonprofit, ProLiteracy. Launched in 1961 as Literacy Volunteers of America, by volunteer and advocate, Ruth Colvin, the organization was started to address functional illiteracy in Syracuse, New York. Ruth was moved by the number of people unable to read reported in the 1960 U.S. Census, and she decided to act.
Last year, Ruth turned 105. At the end of 2021, she wrote a blog post about literacy in America, her work on the issue, and her life. It is an inspiring read.
Besides the wonderful student successes of 2021, our team is also celebrating these volunteer milestones:
- Last September, we held our first in-person training since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. Through that workshop and virtual sessions, staff trained 37 new tutors in 2021.
- Last year, AACLC volunteers recorded more than 10K hours in service to our students.
- Our volunteer tutors returned to Jennifer Road Detention Center and Ordnance Road Correctional Center.
- In 2021, a USNA Midshipman joined our tutoring team to work with local ASVAB students.
Congratulations, all!
Thank you for joining us in our mission to teach adults and out-of-school youth the reading, math, and English language skills that promote self-esteem and independence and strengthen family literacy.
AACLC Receives Koons Annapolis Toyota Donation
Our thanks to Koons Annapolis Toyota for its continued support of adult literacy in Anne Arundel County. The AACLC received a $5,000 check from the West Street dealership in December. Koons Toyota’s contributions to our work over the years have helped hundreds of low-income men and women pursue their educational goals.
Please spread the word or join us for a Volunteer Tutor Training Session on Saturday, March 26 from 9 am until 3:30 pm at Woods Church in Severna Park.
We will provide training for literacy, ESL, math, and high school diploma prep tutoring.
Anyone interested in becoming a tutor should email Jane at director@aaclc.org to sign up.
Space is limited, so please be sure to RSVP.
Literacy Council staff are hosting a Roundtable on Zoom.
Please email Wendy to sign up for a February 23 Zoom session to share and listen in on tutor experiences working with students during the pandemic. We’ll talk about challenges, resiliency, and successes. What can we learn from each other?
The discussion will begin at 7 pm, and our trainers and tutors will share experiences, resources, and ideas. You’ll be able to listen in, ask questions, and seek advice on how to best tutor your student.
In follow-up, we’ll provide a summary sheet and information on resources.
As we embark on our 45th year, the AACLC looks forward to 2022’s possibilities for our students, tutors, volunteers, and the community. Last year, students accomplished a range of goals.
Some Student Highlights from 2021:
- Five students advanced through their high school equivalency programs, and one student earned her high school diploma!
- Three students passed the ASVAB military entrance exam and enlisted to serve.
- One student passed the U.S. citizenship test.
- Another ESL student got her driver’s license.
- Students continued or started their studies at AACC.
- Several students made a healthy lifestyle change.
- Students in our programs continued registering to vote or voting.
- Many students got library cards.
- Several ESL students improved their ability to communicate in English through conversation, email, and texting.
- Students improved their computer and technical skills.
- Many students increased confidence in their abilities, gained a consumer skill, or improved an employability skill.
- Students also got new or better jobs.
We are so proud of our students!
