Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
Literacy Minnesota is recognized as a local and national leader and a driving force behind the latest developments in literacy learning. Our strong roots in Minnesota bolster our broader leadership. MINNESOTA PROGRAMS: Open Door Learning Centers - Six Twin Cities sites offering English, GED, computer, citizenship, job-readiness and other classes for adults; one center also has a preschool for children of adult students. Parenting Program - Provides families with tools to break through inequitable power structures and create a more just education system. Adult Literacy Hotline - Online and phone referral service to adult literacy programs across Minnesota. Volunteer Recruitment and Training - Recruits and places volunteers into organizations and offers pre-service and in-service workshops for literacy volunteers. Technology Services - Coaching for teachers on classroom technology integration and online tools for volunteers and students. AmeriCorps programs – Summer Reads provides reading tutors for children entering grades K-5 and the Literacy Leadership Program engages AmeriCorps members to design and carry out literacy initiatives in partnership with schools and community organizations. NATIONAL PROGRAMS: Northstar Digital Literacy - Assesses digital skills through online modules and provides classroom curriculum and self-directed online learning. Literacy Strategies - Consulting services to help organizations launch and develop literacy programming. Open Door Collective - Combats poverty through literacy education, policy and research. Advocacy - Mobilizes around the literacy cause. Educator Resources - Searchable online library of literacy curriculum and teaching tools. Journeys - An anthology of adult student writing with accompanying classroom resources.
Current Goals
Literacy—the ability to read, communicate and access information—is critical for navigating the workforce, advocating for oneself and fulfilling basic needs. Literacy Minnesota works to build a more equitable society by making quality literacy education available to all. We are a comprehensive literacy resource, providing free classes for adults and children; supporting literacy organizations through volunteer recruitment, training and teaching tools; and creating new pathways for groups and individuals to reach their full potential. Literacy Minnesota developed a new strategic plan in 2020 that will guide our work through 2022. Current goals are to: (1) Ensure more people are better off as a result of our work, (2) Partner with others to address challenges and opportunities for equitable communities, (3) Operate increasingly effective and efficient programs and services, (4) Advocate for awareness and policies that value and invest in literacy, (5) Advance Literacy Minnesota’s strategic objectives through fundraising and resource development, (6) Achieve greater visibility for literacy’s role in driving broader societal change by increasing each individual’s own agency and (7) Create a culture of leadership that is dynamic, diverse and trusted and inspires program participants, national service members, volunteers, funders and staff in the literacy movement to create a more equitable society.
Community or Constituency Served
Literacy Minnesota’s constituencies include literacy learners of all ages, national service members, volunteers, educators and organizations we partner with or support through capacity-building resources.
Geographic Area Served
Literacy Minnesota operates literacy programs for adults, children and families in Minnesota and provides training and other capacity-building support to literacy programs and community partners across the state, country and globe.
