Bay Area Jewish Coalition for Literacy

Inspired by Jewish values of social justice, the Jewish Coalition for Literacy (JCL) fosters literacy among disadvantaged children in public schools by engaging the community as volunteer tutors.

The Bay Area JCL is an affiliate of the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy. Together with community-based partners, the JCL aims to help reverse the trend of illiteracy across the country by mobilizing hundreds of volunteer reading tutors, organizing book drives, and developing advocacy for public education.

The Bay Area JCL has regional chapters in San Francisco, the East Bay, and the Peninsula. Reading volunteers attend training, and are placed in a public school or after-school program, depending on site need and volunteer convenience.

Volunteers may work one-on-one with a student and/or provide read aloud sessions for classes or small groups. JCL holds periodic events, which feature additional training and social activities. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of one hour per week - but many find they wish to do much more!