CHICAGO — State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) announced today that adult literacy programs in his district will receive $110,000 in state grants.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White awarded the grants through the Adult Literacy Grant Program, which helps learners develop and enhance their reading, math, writing and English-language skills.

“The services these programs offer allow adults to develop and enhance the skills needed to be productive and successful,” said Aquino. “Education is the best predictor of future success, so I am glad to see the state making meaningful investments in adult education.”

The programs receiving funding in the 2nd District are:

• Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, Saint Joseph Services, Inc.: $35,000
• Community Literacy Program, Erie Neighborhood House: $75,000

A total of 14,352 learners will be served by adult literacy programs around the state. A total of 6,086 volunteer tutors will provide training for learners putting them on the path to lifelong learning. Adult literacy projects help adults who read below the ninth-grade level or speak English at a beginning level to improve their reading, writing, math or use of English as a new language.

“An estimated 2.1 million Illinois residents need adult literacy and/or English-language instruction,” White said. “I am pleased to provide funding for 113 local literacy projects that will allow adult learners to achieve their utmost potential in the upcoming year. I will continue to do all I can to ensure that every citizen of this state has access to quality literacy programs.”

In total, the secretary of state’s office awarded $5.6 million in grants to adult literacy programs around the state.

To learn more about adult literacy grant programs, visit https://cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/literacy/adultlit-grants-overview.html.