The READ Center has gone through significant changes in the past two years – a new executive director, new staff, new office space, new databases, new logo, new programs, ideas and initiatives. What has not changed, is READ’s commitment to provide the best adult literacy services to as many students as possible. We believe everyone needs and deserves a literate life.

The READ Center completed a scope of services review in March. Because of these efforts, our definition of literacy has changed and READ is expanding the programs and services we offer to better serve our students and the community.

In the 2017-2018 academic year, READ will:

  • Include math and digital learning in the reading/writing curriculum already used. You cannot truly be literate without these skills.
  • Change the student assessment to the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) which is widely used by our educational partners and tests both math and reading levels.
  • Pilot a new classroom/tutor model that supports focused skills instruction, students’ goal achievement and improves attendance and progress.
  • Offer a health literacy class for READ Center students and the community to help increase health knowledge and confidence in dealing with health issues. Health issues are a significant barrier to attendance and achievement for READ students.

While our focus is on providing great educational programs, we are also making organizational improvements that will support those efforts. New education and fundraising databases were implemented this year, increasing productivity and decreasing costs.

A new READ Center logo was developed by a team of VCU students and professionals through the CreateAthon. The new look demonstrates READ’s re-focused energy and new direction. The new logo will be “officially” unveiled on July 1 with READ’s updated and more functional website.

The READ Center is important to a lot of people. As you read the latest Student Voice you will see several articles about READ’s impact on our students. The work we do changes lives. The support of READ Center volunteers, volunteer tutors and donors make that work possible. Thank you!

We are looking forward to a great 2017-2018!

Karen La Forge, Executive Director