Brief History

Established in 1964, Literacy Advance of Houston is the oldest and largest community based, volunteer supported literacy organization in Texas. Literacy Advance is unique because it relies on trained and committed volunteer tutors to provide literacy programs to local residents at no cost. Last year, 514 volunteer tutors provided nearly 25,000 hours of service to help 4,191 adults and children improve their literacy skills. Literacy Advance programs are client-centered, targeted to meet adults at their current literacy level and help them improve on an individual basis. Classes are offered at our Wilcrest Learning Center on the west side of Houston, a satellite office in the Bay Area, and at outreach locations throughout the Houston area. Literacy Advance is a United Way Agency and received an Excellent Organizational Performance rating for delivery of service in 2006. Its educational programs are fully accredited by ProLiteracy America and Literacy Advance is a member of the Houston READ Commission.