Become a tutor - change a life

Project Literacy, the San Leandro Public Library's free adult literacy and ESL program, needs volunteer tutors.

Over 20% of people in our community lack the English literacy skills needed to complete daily tasks, and 22% speak English "less than very well." You can help! After training, you will be matched with an adult who wants to improve their reading/writing or their English language skills. You will work one-on-one with your learner for two hours a week either at the library or online.

To view our online orientation, click the "I Want to Help" button.

VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATIONS

Teaching experience is not necessary -- just patience, empathy, and a willingness to learn. We will provide you with training and support. You can make a difference in someone's life!

Project Literacy tutors must:

• Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED
• Be able to speak, read, and write English well
• Complete our free tutor orientation and three training workshops
• Tutor a minimum of 2 hours per week for a period of at least 6 months
• Prepare for weekly tutoring lessons
• Submit a monthly report to the program coordinator
• Pass a fingerprinting background check

NEXT STEPS

Project Literacy holds tutor training opportunities at least three times a year. Required training consists of two parts:

1. Complete a self-paced online orientation and brief questionnaire
2. Attend three in-person trainings held at the main San Leandro Public Library (totaling six hours of training)

Summer 2026 training will take place on three Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 PM:

• Wednesday, June 17
• Wednesday, June 24
• Wednesday, July 1

To complete the online orientation, register for future trainings, or just to be kept informed about future volunteer opportunities, please click the "I Want to Help" button, or visit our website at sanleandro.org/literacy.

For more information, email projectliteracy@sanleandro.org or call 510-577-3944.

Become a volunteer tutor and give the gift of literacy to an adult in your community!

Watch our video to learn more: San Leandro Needs Tutors