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Sunday, August 25, 2002

By Gretchen McKay

During its infancy in the late '70s, the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council assisted fewer than 100 students with the very lowest levels of literacy a year. Last year, the East Liberty-based organization served almost 3,000 students and trained about 400 new tutors. And at any one time, more than 200 Allegheny County residents are waiting for the opportunity to learn.

"People think we really have to pound the pavement to find students, but that's not true," says executive director Don Block.

Instruction is free, and classes are held in public spaces, such as a library or church. Each person must sign up for himself or herself and be tested so that a GPLC specialist can determine a "learning-needs prescription."

In addition to teaching basic reading, writing and math skills to adults and out-of-school young adults, the council, incorporated in 1982, offers GED and job preparation, and computer training.

"We're continually stretching and expanding the definition of literacy," says Block. "This is broad adult education."

The need for English as a Second Language instruction, in particular, continues to grow. ESL classes now make up about 60 percent of all programs, up from about 10 percent just a few years ago. Still, fewer than 10 percent of those who could benefit from the council's services actually make the call.

"For many, it's not cool to be in a literacy program," says Block, "or they don't see themselves as needing those skills."

For more information on how to become a volunteer literacy tutor or to apply for tutoring, contact the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council at 412-661-7323. You also may visit its Web site at http://www.gplc.org.

Sunday, August 25, 2002