FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

July 25, 2006

Pat McGuckin
Randy Nehrt

White Awards Annual Adult Literacy Grants

SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White today announced the release of $6.51 million in fiscal year 2007 adult literacy grants for nearly 200 local literacy projects located throughout Illinois.

"These grants give literacy providers some of the critical funds they need to help students improve their reading, writing, math and language skills," White said. "In Illinois, an estimated 4 million of our citizens have inadequate literacy skills, which keeps them from using printed and written information to function effectively. This year Secretary of State Adult Volunteer Literacy tutoring projects will serve nearly 25,000 adult students. Our strong partnership with literacy providers and volunteer tutors gives students the tools that will help them achieve their personal and professional goals."

White said FY07 literacy grants are awarded in three categories:

• Adult/Volunteer Literacy Grants provide training for volunteers who tutor adults over age 16 in basic reading, math, writing or language skills. Individual grants are awarded to libraries, community colleges, school districts, community-based organizations, volunteer organizations and correctional facilities.
• Family Literacy Grants provide instructional services to parents and children to enhance their basic reading, math, writing or language skills both together and separately. Participation by the entire family increases the benefits of the instruction. Individual grants are awarded to a partnership of educational agencies, including an adult literacy provider, a child-at-risk organization and a public library.
• Workplace Skills Enhancement Grants provide on-site instructional services to employees of Illinois businesses to enable them to enhance their basic reading, math, writing or language skills, maintain their employment and increase their eligibility for promotion. Individual grants are awarded to businesses and educational providers who operate in partnership to advance the employees learning.

White also encourages citizens interested in assisting Illinois literacy efforts to become a volunteer tutor. Persons may contact the Illinois Adult Learning Hotline at 1-800-321-9511 for information about becoming a tutor. For more information about the Secretary of State's literacy efforts, log on to www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

FY07 Adult Literacy Grants