214@100: The success of Read To Learn

District 214's Read to Learn adult literacy program, provided through the Community Education Department, offers free literacy classes to adult learners at 13 sites in Chicago's Northwest suburbs. More than 10,000 adult learners have been tutored and more than 5,550 volunteer tutors have been trained since the program began in January 1985. The program aims to help adult students improve their reading abilities and basic skills, and in turn improve their quality of life. The program boasts numerous success stories, including that of Joel Parker, a legally blind man who still managed to meet his reading goals with the help of his Read to Learn tutor, Joe Maniscalco. The program is bolstered by volunteers of all ages from throughout the community, and is free to participants.

• 214@100 is a celebration of District 214's centennial; 100 people, places, things and events that have shaped its unique history. To contribute ideas, email us at district 214@dailyherald.com.