Literacy Council

of Chelan and Douglas Counties

We provide free classes in English as a second language, reading, and writing for adults; and a meaningful volunteer tutoring opportunity.

When people improve their English language skills, they can better navigate daily life, set and reach individual goals, broaden employment opportunities, support their children’s education, and improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.

Volunteer Hour
Reporting Form

Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer experience?

We offer training to help you become an English language tutor. We match adult students with adult volunteer tutors, resulting in free English as a second language and basic literacy classes. Give the gift of language!

Do you need help learning English?

We offer free classes to teach adults how to speak, read, and write in English. We are here to help you learn. We offer classes in:

  • English as a Second Language
  • Basic Reading and Writing (for adults who already speak English)

Contact us!

  • literacycouncil@cdcac.org
  • (509) 662-6156 (phone)
  • (509) 293-6632 (text)

Class Costs

  • Classes are free. The only thing students pay for is a workbook ($17).

Class Location & Size

  • Classes are currently offered in person and online. Class sizes range from 1 to 6 students.

Class Times

  • Twice per week, 1.5 hours each class, Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday
  • In the morning, afternoon, or evening, usually at these times:
    • 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
    • 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
    • 1:00 PM-2:30 PM
    • 3:00 PM-4:30 PM
    • 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
    • 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
  • Classes are about four months long. Each student needs to attend for 40 hours.
  • New classes will form whenever we can match up students and tutors with the same availability.

 

Classes are free, small, and with flexible schedules.

Become a Volunteer

Characteristics of a good volunteer:

  • Flexible & Patient
  • Speaks, reads, and writes English well
  • Can commit to teaching for 40 hours over four months

Volunteers do not need to know any language besides English and do not need to have any teaching experience. 

Tutoring may be in person or virtually.  As a result, you can volunteer from anywhere in the country! Tutoring in person will depend upon space availability.

To become a volunteer:

    1. Complete our two-part volunteer application: part one is for our agency, and part two is a supplemental application for our program. Complete and submit both applications together.
    2. Talk with program staff to review current tutoring options and determine if the opportunity is a good mutual fit.
    3. Pass a background check
    4. Complete 2+ hours of self-paced training, followed by 4 hours of live training (online or in person) on using curriculum and writing lesson plans.

 

Become a Student

Requirements are simple:

  • Live in Chelan or Douglas Counties
  • Be motivated to learn
  • Commit to 40 hours of class

To become a student:

  1. Complete a student registration form in English or,
  2. Complete a student registration form in Spanish.
    • If you have taken class with us before, you don’t need to register again. Contact us and we will put you on our student list.
    • If you have trouble reading and writing, or doing an application online, contact us and we will make an appointment to register you in person!
  3. Take an English test to see your level. We can do this online or in person.
  4. We will contact you when we have a tutor available for you

Support Us

In addition to volunteering, you can support our program’s needs in other ways. Here are a few ways you can help:

    • Tell others about what we do. You may know someone who would make a great volunteer or student!
    • Attend our annual fundraiser
    • Donate Here

Program Mission

Our mission is to actively promote literacy awareness in our community and provide direct tutoring instruction in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and life skills to motivated adult learners in Chelan and Douglas Counties.