Adult learner success story
Hear from Maritza, an English language learner whose passion for learning drove her to set ambitious goals that she soon exceeded. Motivated by her progress and desire to give back, Maritza sought out volunteer roles where she could help others. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of community.
become a tutor
We’d like to invite you to 
join tutor training with the Kalamazoo Literacy Council! Our services help strengthen reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension skills so adult learners can reach their full potential as parents, employees, and community members. In this training, you will learn effective strategies and techniques for teaching adults with low literacy, whether they’re native English speakers or English language learners. Volunteer hours are flexible and we supply free books, materials, and ongoing support.
With just a few hours a 
week, you can help change someone’s life. To sign up for in person or virtual tutor training, call Abbey at (269) 382-0490 ext. 219 or email aweathers@kalamazooliteracy.org.
Oliver james in kalamazoo
The KLC partnered with Kalamazoo Public Library to bring motivational speaker and TikTok star Oliver James to Kalamazoo for a series of speaking engagements. Oliver has been teaching himself to read, with the support of thousands on social media. We were thrilled to host him at our site at Goodwill Industries where he met with a group of adult learners. He shared his journey of struggle and triumph and heard about their experiences with literacy and life. It was a very special moment for everyone!
To see more of Oliver’s journey learning to read, follow him on TikTok: @oliverspeaks1.
KLC in the media
September 17, 2024 
“I was devastated,” Kalamazoo mural defaced by tire marks
A story from Fox 17 helps to mobilize volunteers in a clean up effort for Literacy Lane.
September 16, 2024 
Kalamazoo community cleans up Edison neighborhood mural defaced by vehicle
The community rallies around local artist and volunteers after an unfortunate instance of vandalism.
August 10, 2024 
Kalamazoo Literacy Council hosts 13th annual Scrabble Fest to boost adult literacy efforts
Our annual FUNdraiser helps to promote awareness and raise money to support the KLC’s free literacy programs.
July 25, 2024
Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest returns next month
Michael Evans & Kito Jumanne-Marshall appeared on Wood TV 8’s EightWest morning show to promote Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest.
May 15, 2024 
Early Childhood Education and Staffing the Child Care Center
Forbes’ Michael Bernick writes about the Edison ECE Career Pathway and how it’s driving workforce development at the neighborhood level.
May 15, 2024 
Career Pathway Initiative Creates Alignment Around Prosperity
A profile with statistics showing the impact of the Edison ECE Career Pathway, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
April 23, 2024
Kalamazoo needs reading tutors more than ever but they are in short supply
Michael Evans and SLD Read CEO Kristin Potts sat down with WMUK’s Nicole Morehouse to discuss the need for volunteer tutors.
April 18, 2024
An Edison Dreamery: Trained
childcare staff employed at early education centers across Kalamazoo
A profile from Second Wave Media on the Edison Early Childhood Education Career Pathway featuring Lawonda White, program participant and KLC adult learner.
February 8, 2024 
Black mason broke barriers, laid first building blocks for learning at Western
An article showcasing the outstanding efforts of Dr. Karika Parker and the Edison Resident Scholars to bring recognition to Albert White, builder of the iconic Heritage Hall and other Kalamazoo area landmarks.
December 14, 2023 
From litter to literacy: Trail and playstreet coming to Edison celebrate nature and reading
Second Wave Media’s Mark Wedel profiles the new Literacy Lane and the incredible work of the Edison Resident Scholars.
June 29, 2022
Nothing happens by itself
KVCC’s ValleyHUB is the champion of Southwest Michigan’s local food system. This blog post features KLC Executive Director Michael Evans and Kym Hollars, Adult Education and Training Manager at Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, and profiles Family Literacy Days in the Read and Seed community garden and outdoor classroom. The article also highlights the many ways KLC and KVCC work together, from planting, to internships, to developing career pathways.
November 18, 2021
WMU formalizes partnership with Kalamazoo Literacy Council
Dr. Edward Montgomery formally announced the partnership during his welcome address at the 2021 Adult Literacy Research and Training Symposium.
Kalamazoo Literacy Council is a member organization of ProLiteracy.