Become a literacy volunteer to help make a difference in someone's life

Join other literacy volunteers to help adult students improve their lives and further their education.

A free information session on becoming a literacy tutor for reading, math and English language skills is offered from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12; and 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in Room A370 at McHenry County College, 8900 Route in Crystal Lake.

MCC's Adult Education Department provides county residents with an opportunity to tutor adult students in reading, math or English as a Second Language. Anyone over the age of 18 with a desire to make a difference in someone's life is encouraged to attend.

A literacy volunteer tutor does not have to speak a second language or have any teaching experience to tutor in the adult education literacy program. Volunteer tutors will receive free basic training that provides the information and skills needed to work with literacy students.

Last year, 123 volunteer tutors contributed 11,218 hours of help to the Adult Education learners. Tutors helped students improve their proficiency in English and provided basic reading and math skills.

Instructional materials are also provided along with the support from MCC's Adult Education staff and faculty.

Training classes are held afternoons, evenings or Saturdays. Tutoring scheduling is flexible to meet people's busy schedules, including those who are retired or working full time.

This project was made possible in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy.

For more information or to view the schedule of upcoming trainings, call Marie Day at (815) 455-8542 or visit the website www.mchenry.edu/volunteer.