Literacy in Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County is one of the wealthiest counties in Michigan. It’s also one of the nation’s most economically segregated.
Here, resources and opportunities are concentrated in certain areas—and absent in others. Children born into poverty here are most likely to grow up and live in poverty.
By helping our neighbors gain literacy skills, we can change this reality.
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One out of every 8 adults in Washtenaw County reads and understands information at or below an 8th grade level.
Literacy challenges affect everything from income to health to housing and beyond. Low literacy also prevents people from fully participating in our community—an absence that hurts us all.
Sharing Skills and Success
Washtenaw Literacy’s approach responds to the complex ways that discrimination, oppression, and exploitation impact education.
For more than 50 years, we’ve offered literacy support, free of charge, to adults in Washtenaw County. Learners connect with highly trained volunteer tutors in our network to build skills for life.
Together, we can shift power and privilege to create a more inclusive community.
Beyond Books
When we say “literacy,” we’re not just talking about reading. Speaking, understanding, and writing basic English; math skills; and digital literacy are equally essential.
Washtenaw Literacy supports our neighbors as they learn to:
- Understand school forms or job applications
- Find important information online
- Communicate with clarity and ease
- Read anything—road signs, emails, labels, or instructions
- Vote with context and confidence
- Access and engage in physical and mental health care
How Washtenaw Literacy Helps
Washtenaw Literacy’s network of volunteer tutors connect with adult learners, neighbor to neighbor, to work on skills that are essential for achieving their goals.
Learn more about our approach.
