Bradenton, FL – November 17, 2025
“Reaching 1,000 Learners: Our Plan to Grow Literacy Access Across Manatee County”**
At Manatee Literacy Council, we believe that even a one percent increase in adult literacy can reshape the future of our community. Our 1% Literacy Initiative challenges us to reach 1,000 adult learners this year, because every individual who strengthens their literacy skills strengthens a family, a workplace, and the entire county.
We’re close—but not quite there. We still need to reach about 200 more adult learners, many of whom have the most fundamental English or literacy skills and face the greatest barriers to education. These are exactly the individuals the 1% initiative is designed to serve.
To reach this milestone, we’re launching a focused expansion effort centered on partnerships, community access, and workforce readiness. And to be clear:
We cannot do this alone.
1. Strengthening Our Collaboration with SCF
State College of Florida remains one of our strongest partners in expanding adult education resources across the county. Together, we are:
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Increasing visibility of MLC’s free literacy and English programs
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Creating simple referral pathways for adults who need foundational skills
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Connecting learners to the right program at the right time
This collaboration ensures that adults have multiple educational doors open to them—not just one.
2. Deepening Connections With Local Nonprofits, Churches, and Community Groups
The adults we most need to reach are often already connected to trusted community spaces. That’s why we’re expanding our relationships with:
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Churches serving multilingual congregations
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Local nonprofits supporting families with housing, food, health, and childcare needs
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Neighborhood organizations and community centers
By offering short-term “mini classes,” distributing simple intake forms, and hosting enrollment days inside these spaces, we’re meeting adults exactly where they are.
3. Developing Workforce Literacy Programs With Local Businesses
Many employers want to help their team members grow, and language confidence is often the barrier standing between a worker and their next opportunity. We’re working with local businesses to design:
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On-site or virtual Workplace English programs
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Customized literacy and communication classes
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Pathways into higher-level learning with MLC and SCF
These programs not only support economic mobility but also strengthen our entire workforce.
Doubling Classes and Tutoring to Meet the Need
Reaching 1,000 learners this year will require us to grow at a remarkable pace.
To serve 200 more adults, we will need to:
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Almost double the number of classes we offer, especially at the beginner and fundamental levels
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Expand our one-on-one and small-group tutoring, which remains the heart of our mission
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Recruit more volunteers and community partners who can help us deliver high-quality instruction
This is an ambitious goal—and we cannot meet it without community support.
You Can Help Us Reach Our Final 200 Learners
Whether you are a volunteer, a community leader, a business owner, or simply someone who believes in the power of literacy, you can be part of this final push.
Here’s how:
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Refer a learner who needs English or literacy support
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Introduce us to your church, nonprofit, or community group
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Connect your workplace to our workforce literacy team
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Volunteer to tutor or assist with classes
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Share our programs with your networks
Every connection—every conversation—brings us one step closer to 1,000 learners.
Together, We Can Transform Manatee County—One Percent at a Time
Increasing literacy in our county is not just a goal; it’s a community effort. As we expand our classes, tutoring, and partnerships, we invite you to stand alongside us.
If someone you know needs free English or literacy support, please encourage them to visit ManateeLiteracy.org.
Together, we can reach 1,000 learners.
Together, we can make Manatee County stronger.
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