ELGIN — State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) announced today that adult literacy programs in her district will receive nearly $290,000 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.

“English as a Second Language and adult literacy classes are vital services that help people develop the language skills they need to be successful,” said Castro. “This investment from the Secretary of State will ensure that Literacy Connection and the YWCA can continue to provide these life-changing services to those who rely on them.”

The programs receiving funding in the 22nd District are:

• Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, Literacy Connection: $91,346
• ESL Family Literacy (Children 2-5 Years), YWCA of Elgin: $50,000
• ESL Family Literacy (Infants and Toddlers), YWCA of Elgin: $50,000
• Lakewood Elementary Family Literacy Program, Literacy Connection: $48,866
• Meadowdale Elementary Family Literacy Program, Literacy Connection: $48,866

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.