The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) awarded more than $1 million to train volunteer adult education instructors, or tutors, and help them teach learners participating in adult education and literacy activities.
“Education creates opportunities at every stage of life, and this grant recognizes the vital role volunteer tutors play in helping adult learners build confidence, expand their opportunities, and strengthen their communities,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “By expanding access to adult education programs, more Pennsylvanians can take the next step toward earning their Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma, improving their English language skills, or preparing for new career opportunities.”
The Tutoring Program for Adults Grant funds the recruitment, training, and management of volunteer tutors and provides more than $1 million annually to support adult education, family literacy, and English language acquisition programs across the state. Eligible applicants include school districts, intermediate units, community colleges, literacy councils, local libraries, and registered community-based organizations.
This year, PDE is awarding $250,000 to Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon and $865,850 to Literacy Pittsburgh, which serves Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. Through the grants, Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon will train 84 tutors and serve 147 adult learners, and Literacy Pittsburgh will train 289 tutors and serve 509 adult learners.
