SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) is seeking tutors and learners to participate in the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program. The program is structured to train volunteers to become one-on-one tutors for adults in need of basic literacy skills. Instruction in basic literacy includes the development of phonetic reading and communication skills. Community residents are welcome to volunteer as tutors or encourage others to take advantage of this free program.
Illiteracy is debilitating in many ways for adults who never received proper instruction. Adults unable to read experience difficulty completing daily tasks often. They are also at a disadvantage while competing in the job market.
New tutor training sessions will take place at the Main Campus in South Holland on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 12 through July 28 from 3–5 p.m. Tutor training is a 12-hour program that culminates with literacy training certification. Training is also available in an online format. Once certified, tutors will continue to receive free professional development services through this program. Successful tutors are also eligible for letters of support or recommendation for employment, scholarships, educational opportunities and more.
Once certified, SSC’s volunteer literacy tutors visit adult learners at locations within or near their neighborhoods. Tutoring is flexibly scheduled based on the availability of tutors, learners and tutoring sites. Tutoring sites have been established at the following locations: Acorn Public Library, Oak Forest; Glenwood-Lynwood Library; Harvey Public Library; Phoenix Public Library; Calumet City Public Library; Grande Prairie Library, Hazel Crest; Homewood Public Library; South Holland Public Library; South Suburban College Library, Main Campus; Oak Forest Center Library, Oak Forest; Lansing Public Library; Dolton Public Library; Riverdale Public Library; Blue Island Public Library; Dixmoor Public Library; Tinley Park Public Library; Markham Public Library and Midlothian Public Library.
The SSC Office of Adult Education administers the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program in addition to High School Equivalency (HSE), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Adult Basic Education (ABE). These opportunities are made possible by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy.
For more information or to register, please contact David Stephens, Adult Literacy Grants Manager, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2558, or email DStephens@ssc.edu. The South Suburban College Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street South Holland, Illinois. Our mission is to Serve our Students and the Community through lifelong learning.
