About Us
The Whatcom Literacy Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization helping adults improve their literacy skills and learn English throughout Whatcom County.
LITERACY PROMOTES OPPORTUNITY, EMPOWERMENT, AND EQUALITY FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY
Free Literacy Programs for All
Since 1983, The Whatcom Literacy Council has been helping adults improve their lives through literacy—offering free small group classes, one-to-one tutoring, and learning resources for adults living in Washington state's Whatcom County.
Our customized programs help adults improve their basic reading, writing, math and computer skills, learn English, study for the GED, or prepare to become citizens.
From teaching sessions provided at schools, businesses, churches, farms, and libraries, to classes at Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College, and the Goodwill Job Training and Education Center, all of our programs are provided at no cost to the learner.
Thanks to the combined dedication of trained volunteers, professional staff, and the generous support of local businesses, organizations and individuals, we provide adult learners with the critical skills they need to become more self-sufficient, more employable, and more involved members of our community.
Our Mission: to empower adults to achieve their goals and improve their lives through literacy.
Making a Difference in Whatcom County
Our Vision: Whatcom County is a community where all adults have the literacy skills they need to thrive.
Education and future success are deeply connected. Full time workers with a high school diploma earn almost $10,000 more per year than those without. Whatcom Literacy Council programs enable adults to obtain their General Education Diploma (GED).
Over 75% of the jobs in our region require training beyond a high school diploma. Whatcom Literacy Council programs enhance our community's academic skills and help them obtain better jobs with better wages.
People who speak English proficiently earn up to 24% more income than those who do not. Roughly 2/3 of Whatcom Literacy Council learners are enrolled in programs to strengthen their English.
Stronger literacy skills allow people to be more self-sufficient, which in turn promotes higher employment, added tax revenue, reduced welfare costs, and less crime throughout our community.
