Literacy DuPage provides free, customized English tutoring to help adult learners reach their life skill goals.
Transforming Lives Through Literacy
Literacy DuPage equips adults in and around DuPage County with essential English and literacy skills to build self-sufficiency and fully participate in their communities—through free, personalized tutoring.
Why Literacy Matters for Adults
When adult learners improve literacy, they unlock possibilities to shape their future, support themselves and their families, and engage confidently in their community. Literacy isn’t just a skill—it’s a pathway to independence.
How Literacy DuPage Works
Literacy DuPage provides free, personalized, one-to-one tutoring to help low-income adults achieve their life goals.
Who we serve
Adults 21 and older
Learners building basic English skills or reading below a 9th-grade level
Individuals facing barriers such as work schedules, transportation, or childcare needs
How tutoring works
Free, customized one-to-one tutoring
Tutor/learner pairs meet up to two hours per week
Sessions take place at public libraries or other community locations
Flexible scheduling to meet learners’ needs
Impact
Each year, approximately 215 trained volunteers provide one-to-one, learner-centered tutoring to over 275 adults.
Learners work on skills that help them read, write, speak, and understand English, navigate healthcare, support their children’s education, enhance employment opportunities, and confidently handle daily life—like calling 911, talking with teachers, or reading to their children.
The Need in DuPage County
Despite this impact, the need in DuPage County remains significant.
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, DuPage County includes:
54,309 adults who do not have a high school diploma.
88,836 individuals who speak English ‘less than well’.
70,756 residents living in poverty (the poverty threshold for a family of four is $31,200).
Additionally, children of parents with low literacy skills have a 72% chance of achieving only the lowest level of literacy when they become adults, creating a cycle of illiteracy and poverty that can span generations.
“I arrived from Ukraine, and my goal is to become a medical assistant. I am working with my tutor to master the medical terms I need to pass my certification test. We also practice job-seeking and interview skills. I study while taking care of my two-year old son.”
You Can Be Part of the Change
Volunteer
Not able to tutor? Share your time, talents, or professional skills to strengthen our organization!
Tutor
Change a life—and your own—by becoming a tutor. No teaching or foreign language experience needed!
Donate
It costs approximately $250 to support one tutor/learner pair for a year. Your gift helps adults gain the skills they need to thrive!
Become a Sponsor
Corporate sponsorships support free literacy tutoring and strengthen our community. Sponsorships start at $500!
This project was made possible by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds designated for literacy.
Support provided by DuPage Foundation.
Grant, Corporate, and Foundation Support - Thank You!
Independence Level
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Illinois State Library, a division of the Office of Secretary of State
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Opportunity Level
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Colonel Stanley R. McNeil Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
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Achievement Level
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Guy A. and N. Kay Arboit Foundation
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Interpretation Level
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Nora Roberts Foundation
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Understanding Level
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First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove
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Sam’s Club
Knowledge Level
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Community Memorial Foundation
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Chamber Memberships
