Delaware County Literacy Council

Delco Literacy helps adults develop reading, writing, math, and English Language skills to thrive in the workplace and the community. 

Delco Literacy provides free literacy instruction to adults ages 18 and older with classes and one-on-one tutoring offered online and at schools and libraries throughout the county. With a team of 19 full-time staff and over 55 trained volunteer tutors, Delco Literacy offers comprehensive literacy and workforce services, including: Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes to build foundational skills; GED/HiSET prep for high school equivalency testing; all levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes; career readiness support/workshops; and Digital, Health, and Financial Literacy classes and workshops.  

The average Delco Literacy learner receives approximately 90 hours of service annually through classroom instruction and/or one-on-one tutoring/coaching. To date this program year, Delco Literacy has served over 600 students throughout Delaware County. More than 200 adults are on our waiting list.     

In addition to instruction, Delco Literacy makes support services available to all students. Case managers work with students to problem-solve any barriers to academic success and refer students to community resources as needed. Our employment coaches work individually with students to assess career interests and goals, create resumes, conduct job searches, enhance workplace skills, and apply for jobs so that students can obtain family-sustaining employment.     

Delco Literacy collaborates with numerous workforce and education organizations to deliver reading and literacy programs to adults. Delaware County Workforce Development Board (DCWDB) and PACareerLink locations are in constant communication about Delco Literacy programs. Delco Literacy Employment Coaches are provided with referrals from DCWDB for potential employers to send students for employment. PACareerLink locations are Pennsylvania’s unemployment assistance one-stop shops. Participants seeking employment are referred to our Employment Coaches for help with writing a cover letter, reviewing resumes, practicing interviewing skills, searching and applying for jobs. Delco Literacy also works with the Delaware County Library System, Delaware County Intermediate Unit (specialized county K-12 education), and multiple county school districts to provide English classes to adult immigrants as well as high school equivalency programs. Delaware County Community College donates classroom space and promotes our program to those seeking post-secondary education without a high school degree.   

In the past five decades, we have served almost 20,000 women and men, English-speaking and non-English speaking individuals. As has been our tradition, our services are free to our participants.    

Volunteers are a vital part of Delco Literacy’s mission. Our primary volunteer opportunity is in our Tutoring Program, where volunteers work one on one with one of our adult learners, helping them learn basic reading and writing or to speak English as a second language. Delco Literacy provides all volunteer tutors with a free, comprehensive training program and ongoing support, including books and lesson plans.  

We also welcome volunteer tutors as classroom aides. These volunteers work side by side with one of our professional staff instructors, assisting the instructor and students as needed. Virtual and in-person options are available for this volunteer position.  

For more information about free classes or if you are interested in volunteering, visit www.delcoliteracy.org.