COMPASSION DRIVES EVERY ACTION
Chicago’s Oldest Literacy Organization
Nearly 1 in 4 Chicago adults struggle with basic reading, writing, or English skills.
We're changing that!
EMPOWERING LIVES, BUILDING FUTURES
Empowering Adult Chicagoans through Education & Work Skills Since 1968
Literacy Chicago’s mission is to support and empower adult learners to reach their full potential.
Since 1968, our dedicated volunteers and instructors have been teaching our students life-changing skills.
With the unwavering support of donors and volunteers, we continue to expand our reach, uplifting more lives and empowering communities to use education to unlock opportunities.
Lives Impacted
Unlocking Opportunities for Adults & Empowering Chicago Communities
Our Mission
Guided by our core values, we support and empower adult learners to reach their full potential. Through community-driven innovation and a celebration of diversity, we provide transformative learning experiences to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and unlock new opportunities for individuals and communities alike.
Our Vision
A Chicago where every adult has the literacy, language, and digital skills needed to participate fully in community life, support their families, and access meaningful workforce skills.
Our Promise to Chicago
Literacy Chicago will remain a welcoming, high‑quality learning community for ALL adults, offering free classes, caring instructors, and strong partnerships that turn generosity into measurable gains in reading, employment, and civic participation for our neighbors.
Hear From Our Students
- Citizenship
“Literacy Chicago helped me become an American citizen!”
Araceli Dominguez
“Thanks to their classes, I passed my interview and feel so comfortable navigating life in the United States. I wanted to become a citizen to build a better life for my family and I can’t thank Literacy Chicago enough for helping me.”
- Education
“I don't feel like I'm being left behind”
Vickie Ferguson
“My reading tutor, John Coats, and I started working together in June 2012. I’ve made progress but I know I have to make more. I feel good about the new words I’ve learned. I also enjoy my one-on-one computer tutoring. I don’t feel like I’m being left behind like I sometimes do if I miss something in a class. I love Literacy Chicago for all the help it has given me.”
Focused on Key Areas to Drive Meaningful Change
Adult Literacy
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Build confidence speaking, listening, and navigating everyday life, including understanding cultural differences at work and in daily life.
Citizenship Test Prep
Digital Literacy
GED Test Prep
Support Literacy Chicago & Be a Part of Positive Change
Support Us
Help support our mission to enable every Chicagoan to have access to life-changing opportunities. Click" Donate" below to contribute in a small or big way.
Become A Tutor
Chicago folks help one another - that's the embodiment of our community and the heart of our mission. Want to join our over 200+ volunteer network and make a difference in the lives of other Chicagoans? Click below to learn how to get involved.
Attend Our Annual Gala
Literacy is in bloom this year, and we are excited to invite you to join us for a dazzling evening of food, drinks, entertainment, and inspiring stories. This year’s keynote speaker is renowned New York Times best-selling author Scott Turow.
Get in Touch with Us to Make a Difference
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, want to volunteer, or wish to contribute, reach out and join the movement.