NALC provides a safe place for adult literacy students to learn and grow, supported by a vast community of dedicated volunteers and partnerships. We ask each of our stakeholders to join us in upholding the following value statements:

Literacy matters.

Literacy is how we all understand and are understood in the world. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are essential – and remarkable – acts of human connection. Literacy transforms the experience of living.

Curiosity leads to confidence.

When we work hard and stay focused, we can achieve our goals at any age. It can be difficult, so it’s okay to feel frustrated, but when we stay patient and curious, we can keep improving.

Learning can be fun.

This is a safe place where there is no shame in our mistakes, because mistakes are just part of the process. They show we are trying. Instead, we try to have fun with our lessons, because laughter makes learning a joy.

Everyone is different.

We are all individuals with unique strengths and needs. We are encouraged to ask for what we need so we can make progress.

Every goal is important.

We value and prioritize each individual’s reason to learn, including – but not limited to – working toward a new job, earning a degree, obtaining healthcare, shopping independently, making friends, helping a child with homework, or writing a love letter for the very first time.

Together is better.

This all works because we don’t do it alone. We partner through mutual responsibility, accountability, respect, trust, and kindness.

We are all lifelong learners.

Students, employees, volunteers, and supporters of NALC all remain open to new learning experiences. Using data, we enthusiastically and continuously question what we know and how we do things so we can grow our impact. Together, we share the angst and the thrill of learning new things that make the world better.

History

Since opening our doors in 1982, NALC has trained thousands of volunteers who have taught thousands of adults to read and succeed. We have received eight national awards and two regional awards for outstanding program, staff dedication, and student achievement, including having been selected as a model of best practices for dealing with a waiting list, and receiving an Innovation in Action Award for volunteerism. The dedication of our volunteers is the backbone of our program.

NALC does not discriminate due to an individual or group's race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, or any other class protected by law. Equal opportunity will be applied in recruitment, hiring, compensation, staff development and training, promotion and any other condition of employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, disability, age, gender identity, transgender status, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other non-performance factors, in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.