Literacy Network has received a three-year, $375,000 grant from fellow nonprofit Ascendium Education Group, allowing it to increase its services for Dane County residents struggling with low literacy.
In 2022, Literacy for Opportunity programs saw an 18% rise in participation from the previous year. These programs offer core English language and essential literacy services through group classes and one-on-one tutoring. By June 2023, more than 120 individuals were awaiting enrollment, highlighting both a significant increase in immigration and a pressing demand for accessible literacy initiatives in Dane County.
Ascendium’s grant will enable Literacy Network to:
- Increase the annual number of Literacy for Opportunity program participants by 17%, from 300 to 350;
- Add digital literacy instruction and tutoring in response to student needs, including a nationally recognized certificate (Northstar Digital Literacy);
- Add at least one English as a Second Language (ESL) class at the most-requested level, where and when students need it most;
- Add at least one ESL tutoring group session; and
- Add much-needed student services support and program capacity for English speakers working on their reading, writing, and digital skills.
