(AP) – Adult literacy programs across Illinois will split $5.6 million in state grants to help people improve their English-language, reading, writing and math skills.
Secretary of State Jesse White, who also serves as state librarian, announced the funding Thursday. White says there are more than 2 million Illinois residents who need adult literacy or English-language instruction. He says the state grants will be divided between 113 local literacy programs throughout Illinois.
White says the programs will serve more than 14,000 learners, with more than 6,000 volunteer tutors providing training.
The programs help adults who read below the ninth-grade level or speak English at a beginning level.
Among the grant recipients are Richland Community College in Decatur, World Relief Refugee Services in DuPage County and Common Place Family Learning Center in Peoria.