The symposium delivers a day of insights, strategies, and best practices for empowering learners across every boundary. Hear from experts and connect with fellow advocates – free to attend!
Game on! Every word counts at the 15th Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest
Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest returns with a blast on Saturday, August 8, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, at 100 W. Michigan Ave in Kalamazoo. This popular tournament, presented by Town & Country Supermarket, is a fundraiser for the Kalamazoo Literacy Council (KLC) that brings together word enthusiasts of all skill levels for an afternoon of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit. All proceeds benefit the KLC’s free adult literacy programs.
Each $25 ticket includes a commemorative t-shirt, delicious snacks, and parking. Play Just For Fun or as Competitive for the chance to win a trophy. Sign up for a rapid-fire challenge in the crowd-favorite Cage Match for a prize basket. Businesses can also send a four-person team to play on their behalf for a $200 sponsorship. It’s a great day of gaming for a great cause!
Registration deadline is July 20th. Tickets are on sale at https://bit.ly/4cYa0Wg.
Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest is generously supported by The Project Group, The Kalamazoo Promise, Humphrey Products, Zoetis, PNC Bank, Modern Woodmen, Schupan, Bronson, First National Bank of Michigan, Meijer, Moore Electrical, Douglas & Son, Howell, Parfet, & Schau, Bell’s Brewery, Creative Studio Promotions, Kalamazoo Spice & Tea Merchants, and Caricatures by Kenjji.
The KLC is a volunteer-led, non-profit agency that provides free basic literacy services to adults in Kalamazoo County who struggle to read. We offer one-on-one tutoring and classes in Digital Skills, Parent Literacy, Health Literacy, English as a Second Language, and more. Our programs empower individuals so that they reach their full potential as parents, employees, and community members.
Edison Mural & Public Art Academy launches with WMU’s Heidi Weiss
The KLC and WMU are proud to announce a new creative opportunity as part of the university/community partnership. This free, 6-week course uses the “Literacy Lane” street art in the Edison neighborhood to teach mural creation, maintenance, and restoration.
Honoring a legacy: Celebrating Albert J. White
The Edison Resident Scholars, sponsored by the KLC, continue to honor the legacy of Kalamazoo builder & businessman Albert White in meaningful and creative ways.
“Teaching English to new Kalamazooans”
In February 2022, NowKalamazoo published an article called “Language barrier key to welcoming refugees,” featuring tutor & learner pair Carol Black and Esperance Mukeshayezu. In October 2025, they followed up with an updated profile of our ESL program at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
Annual Symposium Highlights Innovations & Insights in Adult Literacy
Join the KLC and WMU for an exciting day of connecting, learning, and sharing insights around best practices in adult education. Free to attend and lunch is provided.
Let’s get ready to SCRABBLE!
The 14th Annual Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest happens Saturday, August 9, 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Radisson, at 100 W. Michigan Ave. This popular event is our largest fundraiser, and it brings together word enthusiasts of all skill levels for an afternoon of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit.
Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department to Honor Albert J. White in Special Commemoration Ceremony
The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department (HCS), in partnership with the Kalamazoo Literacy Council, the Edison Resident Scholars, and Western Michigan University invites the community to commemorate the life and work of Albert J. White on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 4:30 p.m. at 311 E. Alcott St.
Annual Symposium Returns to Spotlight “50 Years of Empowerment Through Literacy”
Join Western Michigan University and the Kalamazoo Literacy Council for an exciting day of learning and sharing tools and insights around adult literacy.
From struggling reader to Early Learning Professional: Lawonda White
Read how Lawonda White used our services to strengthen her literacy skills and became an empowered advocate for herself and her son.
Celebrating 50 years of empowering adult learners
The KLC is the only agency exclusively dedicated to providing free, quality basic literacy services to adults in Kalamazoo County who struggle to read.
Cheers to a Cause: Wax Wings & KLC
Sample a delicious Kalamazoo Skyline IPA and help support adult literacy in the community.
Kalamazoo Literacy Council Partners with Wax Wings Brewing Company for a FUNdraiser during Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week
Join us for a very special Family Literacy Day at Wax Wings Brewing Co! Sunday, January 21, 3:00-5:00 p.m. at 3480 Gull Rd.
WMU launches paid internship program with local businesses
Over 35 Kalamazoo and southwest Michigan businesses are working with Western Michigan University to provide students with paid internships.
KLC and WMU team up for adult literacy symposium
Dr. Deveta Gardner, Associate Dean, WMU’s Merze Tate College and KLC Executive Director Michael Evans. Dr. Gardner delivered welcome remarks at the 2022 Adult Literacy Research and Training Symposium.
Adult Literacy Can Impact Employment Opportunities
“Empowered learners make better employees and build the best businesses,” Rose Fetzer, Adult Learning Services Navigator at KLC.
ESL Adult Instructor Job Description
The purpose of this position is to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and provide academic support for English Language Learners. The position seeks to improve the ability of English Language Learners to communicate in English to meet their academic, professional, and personal goals.
$1.2 Million Awarded to Community Partners for Child Care Solutions
We are honored to be among the outstanding organizations selected as grant recipients by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. These funds will allow us to continue the important work around our Edison Early Childhood Education Career Pathway, which serves to nurture the development of Early Learning Professionals and high quality childcare, right here in Kalamazoo County.
Sadia Faisal, Early Learning Professional
Sadia participated in the Edison Early Childhood Education Career Pathway, and is now working in her dream role, helping young children foster a love of learning.
Language barrier key to welcoming refugees
Esperance Mukeshayezu and Carol Pratt meet three days a week for an hour and a half at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Portage. Mukeshayezu escaped genocide in Rwanda and Pratt, a volunteer tutor at the Kalamazoo Literacy Council, helps her improve her English skills.
Parents encouraged to share ideas in upcoming early childhood education summit
The partnership has been moving to its next phases in December, including planning of a summit focusing on attaining input from local parents, and learning their priorities and concerns regarding early childhood education.
WMU formalizes partnership with Kalamazoo Literacy Council
Dr. Edward Montgomery will formally announce the partnership during his welcome address at the 2021 Adult Literacy Research and Training Symposium from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10, at the Fetzer Center and online. This free, annual symposium, “Fostering Leadership and Equity Through Adult Literacy,” facilitates cooperation between the academic research of best practices in adult literacy and community-based application of this knowledge.
The Edison Early Childhood Education Career Pathway Partnership launches Phase 2 of program with a $300,000 Child Care Innovation Award
The Edison Early Childhood Education Career Pathway has received a $300,000 Child Care Innovation Award from the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC). The funds will be used to launch Phase 2 of the program and scale up efforts to develop a sustainable career path that addresses the growing need for qualified early learning professionals in the Edison community of Kalamazoo.
Mard Little Award recognizes excellence and empowerment in KLC adult learners
The Mard Little Award for Adult Learner Excellence is presented to KLC learners who have persevered through obstacles along their literacy journey to reach their academic and personal goals.
“I know she’s proud of me”
Rodney is a KLC learner who recently came back into service. Originally from St. Louis, he’s been in the Kalamazoo area for 20 years. Growing up in a family of 10, Rodney’s early path in life was rocky. He spent many years in the streets and ended up incarcerated. While there, he was able to reflect on himself and his choices. After several tragedies, including the loss of his mother and son, he vowed to do better and spend time with more positive people who could help him make better choices.
Child Care Innovation Grant Awards Announced
A partnership between the Kalamazoo Literacy Council, Southwest Michigan Child Care Resource and the YWCA will scale up a neighborhood-based career pathway that creates full-time child care jobs with competitive wages in a community with a child care shortage.
Kalamazoo Literacy Council combats low adult literacy in West Michigan
“All across the state, all across the country, we do find that there are adults who struggle to read and the term functional literacy really means reading at 0 to fourth grade level,” Michael Evans, the executive director of the Kalamazoo Literacy Council, said. “Most documents for adults struggling to read at that level, they may not be able to read it independently. So that might mean the mail you receive, the applications you need to fill out if you try to apply for a job — not being able to search those jobs and be able to see how you fit.”
Little Free Libraries installed across Kalamazoo to improve literacy
Here in West Michigan, the Kalamazoo Literacy Council said 13% of adults in Kalamazoo County, or about 25,495, could not read, citing data from the National Institute for Literacy.
Child care legislation aims to grow access, create incentives for industry
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and a group of bipartisan lawmakers held a press conference Tuesday afternoon to unveil a package of bills aimed at increasing access to child care services, particularly for working families.
“Working hard to reach her goals…”
Idy Cheng is originally from Hong Kong, China, and moved to Kalamazoo from Pennsylvania, with her two children, over 10 years ago. She has studied with the KLC through our ESL of Southwest Michigan program since June of 2020.
One thing you can do for your health today…
Walking for 30 minutes a day or more on most days of the week is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. If you can’t manage 30 minutes a day, remember that even a little is better than none so try to go for a shorter walk if you can.
One thing you can do to improve your health today…
Create a list of questions for your doctor before your next appointment so you can be better educated on your personal health.
One thing you can do to improve your health today…
Reduce the amount of sugary drinks you consume. Start by choosing drinks with few or no calories. Water is best. This will help to prevent heart disease.
KLC Covid-19 Statement, April 2021
Please read our updated statement on our Covid-19 safety protocols and procedures for adult learning at the KLC.
English-learning parents face challenges with remote learning during pandemic
A love for family, a quest for a better life and a stroke of luck brought Elvis Vetene to West Michigan. Vetene won the visa lottery, also called the Diversity Visa Program. He left the Democratic Republic of the Congo for Kalamazoo to give his family a better life. Vetene spoke several African languages and French. But because of COVID-19 his English level was not improving.
“This is a sign that I need to keep going”
Lawonda White first came to the Kalamazoo Literacy Council in October of 2014. She came with goals of post-secondary education, employment, and supporting her child’s education…
“I really enjoy the time with my classmates and teachers…”
Naomi began attending in-person classes through our Community Literacy Center (CLC) at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, and once the pandemic hit, she continued her studies through our Virtual Learning Center.
Volunteer tutor: Jane Rooks Ross
“I believe adult literacy is so important because it allows people to maximize their talents and their interests, and their ambitions.” – Jane Rooks Ross, Tutor
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