The Adult Reading Center: It's Never to Late to Learn

Located in Pearland, Texas, the Adult Reading Center provides free instruction to adults with limited English literacy skills. It is the only professional community-based literacy provider in its service area that relies on volunteer tutors to deliver instruction at no charge to students. An economic incubator and a complete service center, the Adult Reading Center offers a nurturing environment that teaches adult learners how to read, write, and speak English so that they can empower their children, obtain a GED, and succeed in the workplace. To this end, the Adult Reading Center provides classroom instruction, computer-based training, and individual tutoring, as well as partners with community organizations that offer career training opportunities.

Launched in 1987, the Adult Reading Center started out with three student/tutor pairs. Today, it is run by a small staff, about a dozen part-time instructors, and over 200 volunteers. In early 2006, the Adult Reading Center received ProLiteracy America Accreditation, which is awarded to outstanding literacy organizations.