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Become a tutor with the college’s Volunteer Literacy Program. Commit two hours per week for a minimum of three months to help adults improve their reading, math, and computer skills. Training and support are provided.

Verizon Foundation helped establish Edmonds Community College’s Volunteer Literacy Program in 2007, which trains and supports volunteer tutors who help improve the English and math skills of adults in ESL and basic skills classes at the college.

Verizon Foundation presented a third $15,000 grant to the program at the I-BEST showcase during Adult Literacy Week, bringing its support for the program to $45,000 over the past three years. The grant supports the college’s growing volunteer tutoring program, which now has more than 40 volunteers.

Together, Edmonds Community College’s adult literacy programs serve more than 2,200 students in English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education, GED Preparation, and I-BEST classes. The programs support adults who are motivated to improve their skills so that they can gain the qualifications and experience necessary to continue their education and obtain higher-paying jobs.

The 2,200 students served by adult literacy programs at Edmonds CC annually:
• Come from 47 countries of origin;
• Range in age from 18 to 82;
• Are 60 percent female and 40 percent male;
• Have varied levels of prior education from limited to Ph.D. degrees;
• Tend to be employed and have family responsibilities; and
• Are served by 40 instructors and more than 40 volunteers.

Call Program Coordinator Nancy Strom at 425.640.1032 or email nancy.strom@edcc.edu.