ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced today that adult literacy programs in her district will receive $235,000 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.

“These programs provide adults with the skills needed to enter the workforce,” said Gillespie. “Continued investment in these programs will deliver positive long-term results and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be successful.”

The programs receiving funding in the 27th District are:

• Read to Learn Adult Literacy, Township High School Dist. 214: $100,000
• Family Literacy at the Women's & Children's Center with the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Township High School Dist. 214: $50,000
• Illinois Adult Learning Hotline, The Center: $85,000

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.