Corona's literacy program enhances adult education with free tutoring and classes

The Library Board of Trustees meeting held on February 25, 2025, in Corona City focused on the vital topic of adult and family literacy programs. Representatives from the Corona Adult Literacy Services (CALS) presented an overview of their initiatives aimed at enhancing literacy skills among community members.

CALS offers free one-on-one tutoring for both English and non-English speaking adults, helping them improve their reading, writing, speaking, listening, numerical, and technological skills. The program aims to support individuals in achieving their personal life goals through various educational resources. They provide a range of classes, including English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship preparation, and computer basics, with classes scheduled throughout the week. Notably, the summer sessions introduced last year were fully booked, indicating strong community interest.

Statistics shared during the meeting highlighted the program's impact, with 26 adult learners currently enrolled in one-on-one tutoring and 68 active students in adult classes. Volunteer tutors contributed over 100 hours in January 2025 alone. Additionally, CALS offers a Career Online High School program, which allows residents to earn a high school diploma and gain industry skills, with 31 scholarships awarded to date.

The meeting also covered family literacy initiatives, including regular story times for toddlers and preschoolers, which attract significant attendance. Unique themed story times, such as a Halloween event, have proven popular, and partnerships with local health organizations enhance these programs. The Play Café program for caregivers provides resources and activities for children aged 0 to 5, fostering early literacy development.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of literacy programs in the community, with plans for continued engagement and support for both adult learners and families. The board encouraged ongoing participation and collaboration to further enhance these educational offerings.