The Literacy Center of West Michigan has been awarded the 2026 Kislak Family Foundation Prize, one of four top international prizes presented through the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program.

A lifelong Grand Rapids resident, Shay is passionate about serving her community. Despite growing up facing significant challenges that interrupted her education, she never gave up on her desire to learn. Frequent transitions at home and responsibilities as a caregiver to her mother made it difficult to attend school, and she eventually left before earning her high school diploma.

The Literacy Center is pleased to share an excerpt of the Learner Spark, Issue No. 5, available as a free PDF download. Learner Spark is a learner-written magazine that features original stories, poems, and recipes written by adult learners across Literacy Center programs. This unique submission is a recipe from one of our Medical Assistant training learners, which we enjoyed during our last day of class celebration. Consider becoming a volunteer literacy coach today to support adult learners like Jie!

The Literacy Center of West Michigan is pleased to publish Learner Spark, Issue No. 5, now available as a free PDF download. Learner Spark is a learner-written magazine that shares original stories from adult learners across Literacy Center programs. The writing reflects learners’ lived experiences and is published in their own words as part of ongoing literacy development.

The Literacy Center of West Michigan is pleased to share another excerpt of the Learner Spark, Issue No. 4, available as a free PDF download. Learner Spark is a learner-written magazine that features original stories created by adult learners across Literacy Center programs. Each piece reflects lived experience and is published in the writer’s own words, supporting literacy growth while honoring the voices and perspectives of the people at the heart of our work. Consider becoming a volunteer literacy coach today to support adult learners like Maria!

When Ahasun arrived in the United States in 2024, he was eager for one thing: the opportunity to continue his education.

Originally from Myanmar, Ahasun was just a few months away from graduating from high school in 2017 when his Rohingya family was forced to leave their home and settle in a refugee camp in Bangladesh. As the oldest child in his family, he felt a strong responsibility to pursue an education so he could help support those around him.

The Literacy Center of West Michigan is pleased to share an excerpt of the Learner Spark, Issue No. 4, now available as a free PDF download. Learner Spark is a learner-written magazine that features original stories created by adult learners across Literacy Center programs. Each piece reflects lived experience and is published in the writer’s own words, supporting literacy growth while honoring the voices and perspectives of the people at the heart of our work. Consider becoming a volunteer literacy coach today to support adult learners like Maria!

Leonela came to the Literacy Center with a clear goal: to enter the healthcare field and build a career. Raised in a bilingual household and educated in the United States, she had taken college classes and was determined to keep moving toward a career helping others. 

Thanks to Fox 17 for featuring our Medical Assitant partnership with Corewell Health and our amazing learner, Alexandra! Watch the video and read the article here: Literacy Center of West Michigan program helps immigrant healthcare workers find jobs in Michigan | Fox 17

Thanks to WOOD TV8 for featuring the Literacy Center's Family Literacy programming and our learners! Watch the video and read the article here: Kent County program builds family literacy to support kids | WOODTV.com

At Spellebration this year, we were proud to honor three individuals whose leadership has shaped our history and who continue to build a future where literacy is a foundation for equity in our community: 

Workplace ESL classes have become an important strategy to increase employee engagement for Grand Rapids Chair, with excellent results over more than eight years of partnership with the Literacy Center of West Michigan. 

Meet Elizabeth, one of our featured coaches who will be celebrated at Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Meet Sylvie and Francois, two learners who will be highlighted during Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Meet Eileen, one of our coaches being celebrated at Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.