About Us

Our Programs

Customized One-to-One Tutoring

Literacy DuPage provides free customized tutoring designed to help adult learners (age 21 and above) reach their life skill goal(s). We provide services to adults who require basic English language skills or read below the 9th grade reading level. Some are native English speakers, yet most are immigrants. Learners are often unable to access traditional education due to barriers, such as limited transportation, childcare services, work schedules, or the inability to succeed in a classroom setting.

  • For all new students, personal life skill goals are determined at the outset and help to define the lesson plans that tutors develop for their learners.

  • Tutoring is offered seven days a week in an open entry and exit format throughout the year.

  • Learners receive at least two hours of instruction per week, based on their availability.

  • Tutoring sessions are typically held in libraries close to the students’ homes for greater convenience.

  • Learner progress is measured after every 35 hours of instruction through standardized post-test assessments and the documentation of goal achievements.

  • Using the pre- and post-test scores and anecdotal feedback from their tutors, new goals are established for subsequent instruction.

  • Learners typically continue in the program for an average of 18 months until their personal goals are met or they attain a high level of proficiency and graduate from the program.

Literacy DuPage recruits, trains, and supports tutors to provide tailored instruction to learners. New tutors complete the required 15-hour pre-service training before beginning lessons with their students. Tutors plan individualized sessions that are structured based on the life skills goals of the learner.

Conversation Groups

Conversation Groups allow adult ESL learners with intermediate and above language skills to practice listening and speaking English in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. with peers. There is no fee to attend. Meetings take place often and are held on Zoom or at a few libraries in the county. See the Conversation Group schedule.

Strategic Plan

Please read our current strategic plan.

Annual Report

Mission

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.

History

Literacy DuPage was founded in 1972 by two Wheaton residents, Thelma McPherson and Joanna Grinter, friends from Gary Methodist Church and both former teachers. Thelma had welcomed a Southeast Asian refugee into her home and asked Joanna to provide her with English lessons. Their interest in helping additional immigrants grew as they discovered the great need for foreign-born residents to learn English. At that time, there was an influx of East and Southeast Asian refugees to the area, primarily from Korea, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In seeking resources, Thelma learned of Literacy Volunteers of America in New York state, which led to initiating the DuPage County affiliate. In addition to the immigrant population, they also worked with illiterate, native speakers of English. Literacy DuPage served 39 students with 22 tutors during its first year. The organization was granted non-profit 501(c)(3) status in 1992.