Manatee Literacy Council to Expand Adult Literacy Programs

BRADENTON — The Manatee Literacy Council is expanding its services for Adult English Language and Adult Basic Education to address the growing need in the community.

Twenty percent of adults in Manatee County read, write, or do basic math under a 3rd grade level. Through a grant funded by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Manatee Literacy will be able to expand its current in-person classes, fund a “Language Lab,” and better serve adults in our community who need help learning to read.

Improved literacy rates are not merely about mastering language; they are catalysts for profound social change. Research consistently demonstrates that enhanced literacy skills play a pivotal role in lifting individuals out of poverty, fostering childhood literacy, expanding job opportunities, and improving overall health outcomes. 

“Through literacy, the Manatee Literacy Council is not only teaching individuals to read and write; it is equipping them with the tools they need to build brighter futures for themselves and their families," remarked Michelle Desveaux McLean, Executive Director of the organization. “By empowering residents with literacy skills, the council is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient community.”

The impact of this grant will extend far beyond the confines of the council's classrooms. It represents an investment in the collective well-being of Manatee County, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. By bolstering Adult English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and developing tailored Adult Basic Education programs, the council is fostering an environment where learning knows no bounds.

Since being founded in 1978, the Manatee Literacy Council has helped thousands of adults read, write, and speak English. At the heart of the organization is its volunteer tutoring program, training and matching local residents to work one-on-one with a learner. Volunteers are always needed, as the waiting list often tops 100 individuals. For more information about the Manatee Literacy Council and its transformative programs, please visit www.manatee-literacy.org