The Kirkwood Center for Lifelong Learning
Cedar Rapids, Iowa (September 23, 2015) — Kirkwood Community College Adult Basic Education enrollment is up by 26 percent from last year. In recognition of National Education and Family Literacy Week, the college is seeking tutors for reading, writing and basic math.
National Education and Family Literacy Week is an effort by ProLiteracy, the largest membership organization advancing the cause of adult literacy, to raise awareness about worldwide illiteracy.
“More than 36 million adults in the United States lack the most basic literacy skills and 15 percent of Americans without a high school diploma don’t have jobs,” said Director of High School Completion Marcel Kielkucki. “We know that reading, writing and math challenge a significant population in eastern Iowa.”
According to the U.S Census Bureau there are approximately 23,000 residents in the Kirkwood service area over the age of 18 without a high school diploma and more than 14,700 speak a language other than English at home. Last year Kirkwood served over 2,100 students pursuing Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency.
Adult education courses are offered at each of Kirkwood’s off campus centers. However, some students are also in need of additional assistance that can be provided by a volunteer tutor. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. To volunteer as a tutor, call 319-653-4655 in Washington County, 319-784-1516 for Linn County and 319-887-3646 in Johnson County.
“Without the assistance of local programs and tutors, people who vitally need literacy education will also be more likely to need unemployment benefits and other forms of public assistance, adding to the drain on already-strapped local communities,” said Kevin Morgan, president and CEO of ProLiteracy.