Literacy Source

Literacy Source provides free learner-centered basic education to low-income adults in the Seattle area. We help the 1 in 6 adults in Washington state who are lacking the basic literacy or language skills necessary for self-sufficiency. 

Literacy Source makes it possible for adults to gain the basic literacy skills they need in order to succeed in school, to find a job, to achieve life goals, and to create a better, more hopeful future.

At the heart of our work is teaching adult learners to read, write, and do basic math. That's because proficiency in these areas is a game-changer for people who are otherwise unable to attain employment, thrive in school, gain citizenship, and pursue other life opportunities.

With a small professional staff and over 300 volunteers, in our last program year Literacy Source provided over 53,843 hours of small group and individualized instruction for 1,256 adult learners, including:

• Basic skills instruction in reading, writing, and math
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for immigrants and refugees
• Workplace basic skills
• Basic digital literacy and computer skills
• GED and citizenship preparation
• Talk Time or Conversation classes
• Assistance with naturalization applications for low income individuals

Our learners range in age from 18 to 90, speak 50 languages, and represent 68 nations. Our students face great challenges and strive for success against tremendous odds: over 97% of our students are low-income, 88% are immigrants and refugees, and 13% are seniors. 55% of our students have less than 12 years of school and 31% less than 8 years. All of our students, however, share one common element - the desire to learn, to achieve, and to live a better life.

In addition to offering classes at our main Learning Center in Lake City, we partner with a variety of organizations to provide instruction at various offsite locations throughout Seattle. Learn more about our programs here.

MISSION STATEMENT

Literacy Source partners with adults working to gain skills and education to create new opportunities for themselves, their families, and the community.

OUR VALUES

Lifelong Learning: We believe that all adults can learn and grow. 

Equity: We create equal access to education because systemic injustices and oppression lead to unequal opportunities and barriers to participation.

Inclusion: We foster an inclusive and multicultural space in which all cultures, traditions, social identities, and ways of knowing are respected and welcomed. 

Collaboration: We seek out the knowledge and experience of our community and work with others on shared goals.

Integrity: We are honest and accountable to each other and our community.

Celebration: We believe learning is fun and empowering and deserves to be celebrated alongside the community we’re building together.