Adult Literacy Fact:
Nearly 1/2 of all adults with low literacy levels are living in poverty, even if they are employed.

About Us

At Whatcom Literacy Council, we are dedicated to increasing literacy skills for adults in Whatcom County.

Since 1978, the Whatcom Literacy Council (WLC) has been helping adults in Whatcom County improve their literacy skills or learn to use English as a second language. Through customized, individual tutoring, our students learn critical skills needed to become self –sufficient. Each year our students achieve goals that improve their parenting skills, employment skills, citizenship and further their education.

The Whatcom Literacy Council is a nonprofit organization, funded through its own efforts and with the support of local businesses, organizations and individuals. With the help of hundreds of volunteer tutors, all WLC services for students are provided free of charge.

According to a study conducted in 2005, one in six adults in the US is functionally illiterate. That means thousands of adults in Whatcom County struggle with low literacy skills. Without reading, writing, and speaking skills, surviving and prospering in today’s world is enormously difficult. The Whatcom Literacy Council (WLC) has helped over 8,000 adults in our community learn to read and write or use English as a second language—becoming literate, functioning members of society.

The WLC is associated with Whatcom Community College, and Bellingham Technical College. WLC is accredited by ProLiteracy America, the largest adult literacy organization in the United States.

Our programs include:
Basic Literacy Tutoring:
Confidential, customized one-on-one tutoring for adults in reading, writing and mathematics.

English as a Second Language Tutoring:
Confidential, customized one-on-one tutoring for adults in reading, writing and speaking English.

English as a Second Language Small Group Classes:
Small-group classes focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and civics for students learning English as a Second Language (ESL) and Talk Time concentrating on conversational English.