We had the pleasure of meeting with Cecilia of Literacy of Northern New York at the end of March and were proud to present her with the organization’s $15,000 Community Impact Grant for the Jefferson County Tutoring Program! With this grant, the program will be able to provide free tutoring services to 180 adults so they can obtain jobs, pass work-related exams, enter job-training programs, help their children with homework, and provide better financial support for their families.
Literacy of Northern NY provides free, one-to-one tutoring to adults in Jefferson County who have dropped out of high school and need help with reading, writing and math skills. They also provide classroom-based instruction in Watertown and at Fort Drum to adults born in other countries who need help learning to speak and understand English better. Adult education transforms lives, upskills our workforce, and strengthens families and our local economy, and Literacy’s free tutoring services help elevate families out of poverty and break the intergenerational cycle of illiteracy. We are honored to be able to help with this important mission and continue our partnership with Literacy of Northern New York!
By the end of the grant period, 125 students will improve reading or language skills on a standardized test by one or more levels as a result of tutoring, 50 students will obtain jobs as a result of increased literacy/language skills, 120 students will learn work-related literacy skills, 20 students will enter post-secondary education, 130 students will achieve health-related goals, 120 students will learn consumer skills, and all 180 students will learn about services and resources in the community.
During 2025, Literacy will provide intake, assessment, case management, and tutoring services to 180 students. After 40 hours of instruction, staff will post test at least 126 students, 70%, to determine educational gain. They will also survey at least 162 students, 90%, to determine if they have obtained a job, entered a training program, or were accepted into higher education.
In 2025, UWNNY will direct more than $315,000 toward local initiatives that promote health and wellness, support child and youth success, and strengthen economic stability, including $225,000 in Community Impact grants. Staying true to the United Way model, funding decisions are guided by community input, where dedicated volunteers from across the North Country thoughtfully review and evaluate each application to determine where the need is greatest, setting the gold standard in grant-making.
These vital programs are made possible thanks to the generosity of donors who believe in creating opportunity, empowering families, and building a stronger, more resilient region. We truly couldn’t do what we do without them, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support!
To learn how you can be part of this positive change, contact us at (315) 788-5631!