Bradenton, FL – July 10, 2024

Building Bridges, One Word at a Time

Imagine arriving in a new place, filled with unfamiliar sounds and a language you’re just beginning to understand. For many of our neighbors here in Bradenton, this is their daily reality. That’s why we’re so proud of our fundamental English language lab classes – a welcoming space where local adults with the most basic English skills can build a strong foundation for a brighter future.

Every week, in five dedicated lab sessions, up to 40 adult learners gather in small, supportive groups. These aren’t your typical large, intimidating classrooms. Instead, our labs offer a personalized approach, recognizing that each individual learns at their own pace and with unique needs.

Our students benefit from using a variety of resources, including phone-based apps, books, and personalized instruction. We are incredibly grateful for a generous grant from the National Book Fund, made possible through ProLiteracy’s grant programs, to provide books to support this program.  This vital support has provided us with a wealth of books, offering tangible resources that complement our digital studies. These books provide invaluable opportunities for reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, and a deeper connection with the English language.

Our fundamental lab classes are more than just lessons; they’re a community. In these small groups, learners find encouragement, support, and the shared experience of navigating a new language. They build connections with their peers and receive focused attention from our dedicated instructors. It’s a place where mistakes are seen as stepping stones and small victories are celebrated.

We are incredibly proud of the progress our students make in these labs. Their dedication and hard work are truly inspiring. If you know someone in our community who could benefit from this foundational support in learning English, please encourage them to reach out and learn more about our program. Together, we can help build bridges and empower our newest neighbors to thrive.

About Manatee Literacy Council
The Manatee Literacy Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving literacy skills among adults in our community. Through volunteer-driven programs, in-person and virtual classes,  and educational resources, we strive to empower individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals. Our mission is to empower Manatee County residents to independence through literacy.