Helping someone learn to read and write is a powerful way to change a life for the better.  Minnesota Literacy Council volunteers make a difference in the lives of each adult learner or child they tutor.  Join us today in creating a strong, vibrant, literate Minnesota – one learner at a time.

Volunteer Opportunities

Adult Literacy Programs
When an adult learns to read, gains English skills, or earns a GED or an adult diploma, the results ripple out into the community.  Adult literacy is linked to better health, children’s success in school, and higher income levels.  Become a volunteer tutor and help immigrants, refugees, and life-long Minnesotans reach their learning goals. 

Children's Literacy Tutoring
Opportunities exist in the community to work with children in school-based or afterschool programs. MLC provides a 3-hour training for volunteers who will be working with children K-3. 

Children’s English School
Children who attend quality preschool are less likely to fall behind as they enter elementary school, especially for at-risk populations, such as those for whom English is not their first language. Volunteers at the Children’s English School (CES) help students individually or in small groups to develop early literacy skills which will prepare them for kindergarten.

National Service Positions

AmeriCorps*VISTA
Thirty-seven million Americans live in poverty. Through AmeriCorps*VISTA, you can make a tangible difference. Volunteer as an AmeriCorps*VISTA for one year through the Minnesota Literacy Council to fight poverty by addressing literacy and education issues across the state of Minnesota.

Minnesota Reading Corps
Minnesota Reading Corps has AmeriCorps service opportunities to work with children age 3 through grade 3 who need help in improving their literacy skills. The commitment is one year beginning in August, and full-time and part-time member positions are available. Members serve during the school day at one school throughout the whole year, and gain valuable career experience, a modest stipend, health insurance (for FT members) and money for their higher education. Many locations across Minnesota.

Summer Reads
Summer Reads is an AmeriCorps*VISTA program serving low-income, K-3 struggling readers for eight weeks during the summer.  Members serve in Minneapolis and Saint Paul Summer School programs, libraries, Boys and Girls Clubs, CommonBond sites and smaller organizations.  Members receive a living allowance and an education award, as well as weekly professional development trainings.  Various locations throughout Minnesota, in addition to the metro sites.