The Literacy Center is a leader in community-based adult literacy education built on innovative, cost-effective instructional services that ensure excellence in student outcomes. Since 1977, more than 30,000 adults from nearly every country in the world have sought our expertise and help. We firmly believe that adult education and training can positively transform lives by opening the door to limitless opportunities.
About The Literacy Center
Our Story
The Literacy Center was established in 1977 by a small group of Allentown residents concerned with the plight of area residents who were being held back in life due to illiteracy. We have provided community-based literacy instruction free of charge to more than 30,000 students from nearly every country in the world. Today, The Literacy Center employs more than 20 full- and part-time employees, the majority of whom hold a master’s degree. We have more than 30 dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to our operations. In 2017, we expanded our number of classrooms from six to eleven. We also provide a state-of-the-art computer lab and a college access room for our students.
Our Mission
Through innovative programming, The Literacy Center delivers high-quality instruction, training, and support for adults who are experiencing language, education, and employment barriers.
Our Vision
All adults have access to the training and education that allows them to achieve their potential to:
Enrich individual and family life,
Enhance the community,
Participate in civic life, and
Strengthen the economy.
Our Values
- Education
- Equity
- Excellence
- Empowerment
- Community
- Innovation
Our Accomplishments
- When many in the Lehigh Valley transitioned to remote work for the first time last spring, TLC created the Work From Home (WFH) Certification.
- For the first time in the organization’s 43-year history, all GED students who were post-tested in November made an academic gain
- Despite graduating during the pandemic lockdown, 80% of the Administrative Professional Job Training graduates have found employment in one of the toughest job markets in Lehigh Valley history
- TLC served more students during the summer of 2020 than all previous summer sessions combined