Manatee Literacy Council Welcomes David Penry as Digital Learning Navigator
Manatee Literacy Council welcomes David Penry as its new Digital Learning Navigator, a role supporting learners and tutors on platforms like SPEEXX and Ellii — made possible through the generous support of The Barancik Foundation. [Read more →]
Manatee Literacy Council Welcomes Sam Skogstad III to Board of Directors
Please join us in welcoming Sam Skogstad III to the Manatee Literacy Council Board of Directors! Sam brings a wealth of international experience, language expertise, and a passion for education to our organization. As a trilingual ESOL teacher with extensive cross-cultural experience, Sam will bring a valuable perspective to our mission of empowering Manatee County residents to achieve independence through literacy.
Manatee Literacy Council Welcomes Marisol Garcia as Board President
Manatee Literacy Council is pleased to announce that Marisol Garcia will serve as the organization’s 2026–2028 Board President, beginning July 1, 2026. The organization also extends its deepest gratitude to Roger Boos for his nearly 19 years of service and five years of leadership as Board President.
Manatee Literacy Council Receives $10,000 Grant from Dollar General Literacy Foundation
The Manatee Literacy Council is grateful to announce a $10,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The funding will support staff salaries, helping ensure that adult learners throughout Manatee County have access to the literacy and English language services they need to achieve their goals.
La Guía Sarasota Highlights the Power of Literacy in Manatee County
“Learning to read and write is more than an academic achievement. It opens doors to family, work, health, and dignity. It means helping a child with homework, understanding medical instructions, applying for a job, and participating fully in community life. Quite simply, it means belonging.”
New Grant Supports Virtual English Classes for Spanish-Speaking Adults in Lakewood Ranch Area
The Manatee Literacy Council has received a $6,400 grant from the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation to launch a virtual English Conversation Class for native Spanish-speaking adults living in Lakewood Ranch and surrounding communities. The program will help adult learners build confidence in everyday English communication while improving access to literacy services through flexible online instruction.
It’s a Match! New Grant Expands Adult Literacy Opportunities in Manatee County
The Manatee Literacy Council has been awarded a $21,718.50 matching grant from the Manatee Matches Giving Circle of Manatee Community Foundation to expand adult literacy programs across Manatee County. This funding will support in-person English classes, new learning initiatives, and a pilot program to help learners prepare for Florida’s driver’s license exam—while inviting the community to help match funds and grow the impact.
A Stronger Future for Literacy—and Our Local Workforce
The Manatee Literacy Council has received a $6,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to strengthen long-term sustainability and explore expanding workforce literacy programs that support both adult learners and local businesses.
Expanding Opportunity Through Literacy: A National Book Fund Award
The Manatee Literacy Council has been selected as a ProLiteracy National Book Fund award recipient—one of just 39 programs across the U.S. and Canada. This grant will provide new instructional materials to strengthen our adult literacy and ESL programs, helping more learners build the skills they need for work, family, and everyday life.
Grant Expands Adult English Classes for Manatee County Residents
When funding uncertainty threatened the future of our in-person English classes this quarter, one volunteer stepped forward to ensure more than 100 adult learners could continue building the skills they need for work, family, and community.