COMPASSION DRIVES EVERY ACTION
Help Chicago Adults Rewrite Their Future
Nearly 1 in 3 Chicago adults struggles with basic reading, writing, or English skills
- we're changing that!
EMPOWERING LIVES, BUILDING FUTURES
Transforming Adult Lives Through Literacy 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 literacy 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 work.
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 Feguson
“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
ESL/Citizen Prep
GED & Academic Skills
Digital & Career Skills
Join Our Campaigns & Be a Part of Positive Change
Support Literacy Chicago
Help support our mission in enabling every Chicagoan to have access to the opportunities that are life-changing. Click donate below to contribute in a small or big way.
Support The Volunteers
Chicago folks help one another - that's the embodiment of our community and showcases our strength in people. Our over 200+ volunteers truly utilize the resources given to achieve the impossible. To support the volunteers, click the donate button below.
Support Our Annual Gala
Every year we throw an amazing Gala in the spirit of adult education, literacy, and our connected Chicago community. Joing us in supporting this annual affair - you won't want to miss!
We're hosting & collaborating events all year long!
Mark your Calendars!
Literacy Chicago, the city’s oldest adult education non-profit organization, is hosting their annual fundraising gala.
Literacy in Bloom
Save the Date:
Thursday, June 18, 2026, 6:00 PM
Three Cities Social Club
Tickets go on sale soon, and you’ll want to see what’s blooming!
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 to us and join the movement with us.