Become a Student

The READ Center offers classes and one-to-one tutoring for adults challenged by low-literacy.

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Make a Donation

Our work changes lives. Your support makes it possible.

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Be a Volunteer

Volunteers make a difference in the lives of students’ and their families.

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The READ Center

Reading and Education for Adult Development

The READ Center’s mission is to help adults with low-level literacy develop basic reading, communication, math and digital skills so they can fulfill their roles as citizens, workers, and family members. This mission is accomplished by providing classroom instruction, one-to-one tutoring, and educational resources to support students.

OUR PROGRAMS

Reach One. Teach One.

You have the power to make a difference in the life of someone in your community by becoming an adult literacy tutor. The READ Center needs volunteers who are willing to tutor students in reading, writing, and basic math. As a volunteer tutor, you’ll receive training, have the support of READ Center staff and can attend professional development classes. You’ll join a welcoming community of volunteers and teachers willing to share their knowledge and passion for making a difference.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Our Impact on RVA

Serving Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield

Low literacy is intrinsically linked to poor health, low educational attainment, joblessness, poor housing and poverty. 1 in 6 adults in Richmond City lacks the literacy skills to read a bus schedule, fill out a job application or help their children with homework. In Henrico County, it’s about 1 in 11 adults and in Chesterfield 1 in 12.

When individuals learn how to read, write, do basic math, and use computers, they have the power to lift themselves out of poverty, lower health care costs, find and keep sustainable employment, and ultimately change their lives. The figures below are for the 2017-2018 academic year.

%

Students rate READ as good for learning

Students Served

Student Goals Achieved

Why Adult Literacy?

  • 36 million adults in the United States cannot read, write, or do basic math above a third grade level.
  • 75% of state prison inmates did not complete high school or an be classified as low literate.
  • $232 billion a year in heath care costs is linked to low literacy.
  • Children whose parents have low literacy levels have a 72% change of being at the lowest reading levels themselves. They are also more likely to repeat school years or drop out.

More than 72,000 in metro Richmond lack basic literacy skills.

The READ Center believes one adult who can’t read well is one too many.

READ THE FACTS

NEWS & EVENTS

Highlights from The READ Center Blog
  • Posted November 13, 2018
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How long have you volunteered with The READ Center? I started volunteering March 2016 so over 2 1/2 years. What is your...

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  • Posted November 07, 2018
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Shh (It’s a Secret)

Class field trip to the Secret Sandwich Society By Don Wilms, retired educator and READ Center teacher How do you get to know your...

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  • Posted November 05, 2018
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READ Center Director Wins State Literacy Award

READ Center Executive Director Karen La Forge was named the winner of the Virginia Literacy Foundation’s 2018 Nancy Jiranek Award. The Virginia...

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Contact The READ Center

A community-based nonprofit organization providing educational opportunities to adults with low-level reading and communication skills.