About Us

Literacy Source makes it possible for adults to gain the basic literacy skills they need in order to succeed in school, to find a job, to achieve life goals, and to create a better, more hopeful future.

At the heart of our work is teaching adult learners to read, write, and do basic math. That's because proficiency in these areas is a game-changer for people who are otherwise unable to attain employment, thrive in school, gain citizenship, and pursue other life opportunities. Learn more about why literacy matters.

Students sitting together at table in classroom.

With a strong professional staff and 200 volunteers, Literacy Source provided over 40,000 hours of small group and individualized instruction for 615 adult learners. Learn more about our programs.

Our learners range in age from 21 to 87, speak 46 languages, and represent over 50 nations. They come to Literacy Source to learn, to achieve, and to live a better life.

Students and tutors working together.

Mission

Literacy Source partners with adults working to gain skills and education to create new opportunities for themselves, their families, and the community.

Vision Statement

We envision an inclusive and equitable society providing education and opportunities for all adults.

Our Values

Lifelong Learning: We believe that all adults can learn and grow.

Equity: We create equal access to education because systemic injustices and oppression lead to unequal opportunities and barriers to participation.

Inclusion: We foster an inclusive and multicultural space in which all cultures, traditions, social identities, and ways of knowing are respected and welcomed.

Collaboration: We seek out the knowledge and experience of our community and work with others on shared goals.

Integrity: We are honest and accountable to each other and our community.

Celebration: We believe learning is fun and empowering and deserves to be celebrated alongside the community we’re building together.

Student Stories

  • "Since I’ve got my citizenship, it’s been awesome. I’ve been here since I was fourteen, but I never felt more included, like part of the team. That feels really great."

    -Halfia Kedir, Citizenship Program

  • "Literacy Source gave me the confidence about my knowledge and computer skills and that is why I got the job."

    -Senait Simegn, English for Community Connections and Reading/Writing class student

  • Interview: Literacy Source Student Marim Angada

    Born in Sudan, Marim Angada arrived in the United States in May 2017 to be with her husband. She has been studying with Literacy Source since 2019, and has spent three class quarters preparing to take the Citizenship Test. Click here to hear from Marim.

  • Interview: Literacy Source Student Rahima Namo

    Rahima Namo is a student in our ESOL 4/5 class who has been studying at Literacy Source since April. She shared a powerful story about advocating on behalf of the residential community of Yesler Terrace, Seattle's first publicly subsidized housing community. Click here to hear from Rahima.

  • Voxy EnGen Student Spotlight

    Voxy EnGen is a volunteer-led class that improves students' English, digital literacy, and workforce readiness skills through an adaptive web-based platform. Click here to hear from one of our students, Grasela, a level 2-3 ESOL student who is also participating in the Voxy EnGen class.

  • Ready to Work Student Spotlight

    Amina and Anab are students in our Ready to Work class, which prepares students for getting a job, with a particular focus on English and Digital Literacy. Click here to read about what they like about the Ready to Work class.

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We send out a monthly newsletter, and occasionally send other important updates throughout the year. We take your privacy seriously and will never inundate you with emails.

Check out the archive for the newsletter: