First-of-its-kind tutor training to boost adult literacy in Flint area

FLINT, Michigan— It’s as simple as people helping people.

About 60 people, volunteers, neighbors came together inside a classroom in Mott Community College Regional Technology Center to learn how to teach as part of Flint and Genesee Literacy Network tutor training program. This is the first tutor training session hosted by the Literacy Network, and their focus today is on an audience that too often is overlooked. 

“I want the community to know that is the beginning and not an end,” said Danielle Brown, Literacy Network’s director of programs about the tutor training program. 

“Many adults just need additional support,” Brown said. “Community members may have high school diplomas or GEDs already, but need additional support so that they can look at higher level workforce opportunities.”

This year, the Literacy Network—working with its partner organizations throughout the community—is targeting adults to make sure they are aware of all the services available to them. Specialized programs are available for parents, adults with disabilities, young adults, and those for whom English is a second language.

“For adults, a huge thing is meeting those workforce goals,” said Asa Zuccaro, an AmeriCorps service member from the Literacy Network.  “We have new jobs coming to the city and we want to make sure people are ready and qualified.”

This training session included people from throughout the community including churches and public schools—and Zuccaro noted that there is always a need for more volunteers. 

“These programs need more help, more volunteers, and they need those volunteers to be trained to tutor,” Zuccaro said. “The main outcome we’re looking for is how can the network help build support and capacity into local nonprofits and community organizations.”

At these sessions, volunteers are given materials and teaching methods to help them better tutor their neighbors. The volunteers then attended a vendor fair to explore the different programs that are participating. 

More volunteer training sessions will take place throughout the year. More information is available online.