Founded in 1986 by educators and librarians, the Literacy of West Michigan is the largest community-based organization in the state and one of the largest in the country dedicated solely to adult literacy and learning. The Literacy Center leads best practice in removing literacy as a barrier to employment, healthcare, housing, and parent engagement. Our work is grounded in the recognition that our region will thrive only when the assets of all our community members can be utilized.

Our Mission

Bringing about a just and vibrant West Michigan through the power of literacy.

By the Numbers

• Nearly 1,300 learners served annually
• 85,000 adults read below the 4th grade level in Kent County 
  7,500 classroom instructional hours taught by certified staff
• More than 8,000 hours contributed by volunteer literacy coaches in 1-on-1 tutoring
• $1,500 is the yearly cost to support one learner
  40+ employers have engaged our services

Our Approach

The Literacy Center works alongside immigrants, refugees, native speakers of English, and anyone else looking to improve their reading and writing. We meet learners where they are – both within the community and along their language journey – and focus on the areas of life most important to them: their family, their work, and their community.

Family Literacy

The whole family benefits when parents strengthen their literacy skills. This program offers English classes via more than 22 classes in five school districts, HeadStart, online, and at partner health clinics. Childcare is provided at no cost so parents can fully engage in class.

Workplace Literacy

This program removes barriers for learners who want to find meaningful jobs or upskill in their current work, partnering with training providers and employers to provide English language training alongside skilled training and current employment.

Literacy Coaching

We pair a trained volunteer literacy coach with a learner who wants to improve their literacy skills. By centering the learner’s perspective and focusing on their individual goals and needs, the impact of the coaching program is both educationally transformative and deeply personal.

Community Classes

We offer a variety of other classes across the community, like Citizenship Preparation classes in partnership with immigrant advocacy organizations, Health Literacy classes in partnership with health providers, and general ESL classes. By meeting our learners where they are, we’re able to meet their needs more effectively.