The Literacy Action Program was originally organized in 1988 with volunteers working one-on-one with native-born, English speaking adults who had trouble reading and writing, or who wanted to earn the General Education Development (GED) diploma.  

Instruction has since shifted to serve an ever-growing influx of immigrants with English as a second language (ESL) instruction.  Program delivery has also shifted to group lessons with leveled instruction by paid instructors.  

Finally, as class participation by families has grown, we have implemented a Family Literacy program model for our adult students with children.  Our latest project is to provide small-group tutoring for immigrants who wish to study for the citizenship exam.

Literacy Action Goals.  The mission of the Literacy Action Program is to “…provide free literacy instruction to Gunnison County adults and families who wish to improve their communication and living skills.”  

Our focus is on improving the quality of life for low-literacy community members.  We teach our students functional English, focusing on competencies for communicating and interacting with others in personal and professional settings.  

While we continue to serve adult students without children (typically in Crested Butte where many immigrants are not accompanied by their children), all of our ESL classes in Gunnison include Family Literacy components for families with children.  These classes are open to the general public and our objective is to help our students lay the foundation for better living, both now and in the future.

SCHEDULE for Gunnison:

 Family Literacy ESL classes:

    Evenings: MW 6-8 pm January 18th– May 2nd at Gunnison Community School, 1099 N. 11^th Street

    Mornings: TTh 8:30 -11:30 am January 17th– May 3rd at Lake School, 800 N. Boulevard

    Contact: Marsha Collins @ 275-9837

 Adult Basic Education/GED Class: MW 6-8 p.m., January 18th - May 2nd at Gunnison Community School, 1099 N.  11th St., (NOTE NEW TIMES AND LOCATION)              

   Contact: Therese Trantow @ 641-7647

 Citizenship class: TBA

 FALL 2011 SCHEDULE for Crested Butte:

 Small group tutor by appointment at Old Rock Library.  Contact: Julie Manchester @ 349-6535

Contact: Elliot Jackson, Program Manager (970) 641-7684