What we do
Illiteracy or low literacy can limit a person’s opportunities in life. Even seemingly simple tasks like helping a child with homework or reading a medicine bottle can remain out of reach if you can’t read or speak English. But through our free and low-cost tutoring programs, as well as job support, health literacy lessons and much more, Literacy for Life is opening new doors for members of our community.
The issue of adult literacy
43
million
Number of adults in the U.S. who can't read, write, or do basic math above a third-grade level
53%
proficient
Among immigrants only half are proficient English speakers
$106-$238
billion
Estimated health care costs a year linked to low adult literacy skills
#1
determinant
A mother's reading skill is the greatest determinant of her children’s future academic success, outweighing other factors, such as neighborhood and family income.
3x
the earnings
Workers who have less education than a high school diploma have the lowest median weekly earnings ($592), three times less than the highest level of education
43%
less likely
Incarcerated individuals who participate in correctional education programs are 43% less likely to recidivate than inmates who do not.
Data Source: ProLiteracy
Contact us
Call
Write
Schedule
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesdays
9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m
​
Fridays
By appointment
Visit
301 Monticello Avenue
Williamsburg, VA
Literacy for Life is located in William and Mary's School of Education Building. We are on the first floor in suite 1076.
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Bus Routes:
Green – School of Education
Red – Corner of Monticello Ave. and Treyburn Dr.
Blue – Williamsburg Shopping Center (Bloom)
(walk 2 blocks south on Monticello Ave.)
Your gift empowers a neighbor.
When you donate to Literacy for Life, you're keeping alive the essential programs, services and technology for all who need the opportunity to learn and grow. Best of all, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you are enhancing the quality of life for learners who walk through our doors. Gifts at all levels are most welcome.