Change a Life Through Literacy — Become an Adult Literacy Volunteer
Imagine trying to navigate your community while learning a new language or embarking on an unknown journey without the ability to read a bus schedule, complete a medical form, or communicate confidently in a school or employment setting. For many adults in our community, this is their everyday experience.
As a volunteer tutor with our Adult Literacy Program, you play a powerful role in helping adult learners build the skills they need to move forward with confidence. No prior teaching or foreign language experience is needed!
Register for a Meet & Greet Zoom presentation to learn more! https://www.literacydupage.org/volunteer/register-orientation
Your Impact
As a volunteer tutor you will support adult learners as they work to improve their basic English language, reading, and writing skills.
Your guidance helps learners:
- Understand a new language in order to navigate their community
- Gain confidence in everyday communication
- Access better job opportunities and workplace success
- Support their children’s education
- Build independence and a sense of belonging
Often, volunteers are the steady encouragement learners need as they embark on an unknown journey toward greater independence and opportunity.
Why Volunteer With Us
- You don’t need prior teaching or foreign language experience, just patience, empathy, and a willingness to learn alongside your student.
- We provide training, resources, and ongoing support.
- Flexible scheduling makes it possible to volunteer in a way that fits your life.
The Reward
Adult literacy volunteering is deeply meaningful. Every milestone, reading a first paragraph, making a confident phone call, or completing an important form, represents a life-changing step forward.
Be the Reason Someone Moves Forward
Your time, compassion, and encouragement can help someone navigate their world with confidence and dignity. Join us and be part of a community that believes in second chances, lifelong learning, and the power of literacy.
Register for a Meet & Greet Zoom presentation to learn more! https://www.literacydupage.org/volunteer/register-orientation
Volunteer today and help turn uncertainty into opportunity—one learner at a time.
FAQ - VOLUNTEER TUTORING
What are the tutor qualifications? Mostly, patience and compassion. Plus:
- Be at least 21 years old and live in or around DuPage County.
- Have earned at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Demonstrate the ability to speak, read, write, and understand English to communicate at a native proficiency.
- Be sensitive to the adult learner and other cultures.
- Be dependable, friendly, optimistic, interested in helping others and respectful of confidentiality.
What is the time commitment?
- 45-minute Meet & Greet session.
- 15 hours of tutor training.
- Meet up to 2 hours each week with your adult learner: minimum tutor commitment of six months.
- Minimum of two in-service, professional development workshops each year.
What are my responsibilities as a tutor?
- Meet with your learner regularly and punctually each week.
- Prepare each lesson to meet your learner’s goals and life-skills needs, integrating his/her special interests.
- Attend assessment meeting after every 35 hours of tutoring.
- Submit volunteer hours online on a quarterly basis.
- Contact program staff for support at any time. We look forward to assisting you!
Participant Safety
- Tutor/Learner pairs meet in a public location, usually a local library.
- Tutors and volunteers must complete background check.
Register for a Volunteer Tutor Meet & Greet Session!
Join us for an upcoming information session about the Literacy DuPage program. https://www.literacydupage.org/volunteer/register-orientation
About Literacy DuPage
Mission - To help DuPage County adults achieve their life goals through accessible and customized tutoring that improves their English-language speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
Vision - We envision a world of adults, families, and communities empowered through literacy.
Literacy DuPage was founded in 1972 and granted 501(c)(3) status in 1992.
Learn more on our website at www.LiteracyDuPage.org
