2020-2021 Signature Mission
Literacy KC
The Village Church Mission Committee selected Literacy KC’s Entry to English and High School Equivalency program expansion for the 2020-2021 Signature Mission. Funding from Village Presbyterian Church will be used to further renovate Literacy KC’s space at 3036 Troost Ave with an additional classroom allowing them to run up to 5 classes concurrently in their home site, while still managing classes at various partner sites in the community. With $50,000 from Village Church Endowment and the Mission operating budget along with donations from Kansas City foundations, companies and individual donors, funds for the HiSET and ETE program expansion will hire qualified staff to run the operations and provide programming that will double Literacy KC’s capacity.
Literacy KC was founded in 1985 to provide a one-on-one volunteer tutoring reading program. It has since grown to offer a robust portfolio of basic reading and writing, digital/computer skills, workforce readiness, and English language skills.
In August 2018, Literacy KC relocated to the intersection of 31st Street and Troost. The new location provides five classroom spaces, increased visibility, access to wrap-around services, and a convenient location for their public transportation-dependent student population. In 2019, Literacy KC served over 2744 students and families annually across all programs.
Shortly after the relocation, Literacy KC launched their Entry to English (ETE) program for English Language Learners (August 2018) and the High School Equivalency (HiSET) program in March 2019. The need for these programs in Kansas City is significant. According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, 225,000 Kansas City adults lack basic literacy skills and 145,000 function at the lowest literacy level. In addition, the Kansas City Public School graduation rates are at only 71.2%, and many area neighborhoods host foreign born populations of over 40% who are struggling with English language skills.
Literacy KC’s HiSET and ETE programs will increase over the coming 18 months, serving 2460 more individuals at 15+ locations throughout the metro; thereby increasing opportunity in workforce development, economic mobility, and post-secondary education spaces for adults. Students work simultaneously on earning workforce credentials, and/or placement in post-secondary education. With this expansion, Literacy KC expects to be able to serve a total of roughly 5000 students when at full capacity.
Literacy KC has a vibrant volunteer program where individuals can work directly with students as tutors. If you are interested in finding out more about how you can get involved, call 816-333-9332.
Literacy KC was founded in 1985 to provide a one-on-one volunteer tutoring reading program. It has since grown to offer a robust portfolio of basic reading and writing, digital/computer skills, workforce readiness, and English language skills.
In August 2018, Literacy KC relocated to the intersection of 31st Street and Troost. The new location provides five classroom spaces, increased visibility, access to wrap-around services, and a convenient location for their public transportation-dependent student population. In 2019, Literacy KC served over 2744 students and families annually across all programs.
Shortly after the relocation, Literacy KC launched their Entry to English (ETE) program for English Language Learners (August 2018) and the High School Equivalency (HiSET) program in March 2019. The need for these programs in Kansas City is significant. According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, 225,000 Kansas City adults lack basic literacy skills and 145,000 function at the lowest literacy level. In addition, the Kansas City Public School graduation rates are at only 71.2%, and many area neighborhoods host foreign born populations of over 40% who are struggling with English language skills.
Literacy KC’s HiSET and ETE programs will increase over the coming 18 months, serving 2460 more individuals at 15+ locations throughout the metro; thereby increasing opportunity in workforce development, economic mobility, and post-secondary education spaces for adults. Students work simultaneously on earning workforce credentials, and/or placement in post-secondary education. With this expansion, Literacy KC expects to be able to serve a total of roughly 5000 students when at full capacity.
Literacy KC has a vibrant volunteer program where individuals can work directly with students as tutors. If you are interested in finding out more about how you can get involved, call 816-333-9332.
