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.
When One Person Steps Forward…
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.
Financial Literacy: A Key Step Toward Independence
Financial literacy is a powerful step toward independence. Through a partnership with Project Prosper, Manatee Literacy Council learners gained practical financial skills that help them support their families and plan for the future.
Help us welcome our new Board Member, Yanira Castro!
Please join us in welcoming Yanira Castro to our Board of Directors!
With 25+ years of experience in social services, education, and nonprofit leadership, and a passion for serving families, Yanira will be a powerful voice for literacy in our community.
We’re thrilled to have you with us, Yanira!
Family Literacy Day: Learning Begins at Home
Family Literacy Day reminds us that learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms — it happens at home. When families read, talk, and learn together, children grow stronger readers and adults build confidence. Simple activities like sharing stories, reading recipes, and talking about daily life can make a lasting difference for the whole family.
Partners in Learning, Partners in Community
Manatee Literacy Council has received grant from Peace Presbyterian Church to support in-person Adult ESL classes across Manatee County. This funding helps sustain instructors, curriculum, and materials, allowing MLC to bring English instruction directly into neighborhoods where adult learners live and work.