WHERE LIVES
CHANGE

Pathways to Purpose (formerly JumpStart 2 Success)

is a six-week foundational bridge program that combines adult basic education, digital literacy, career readiness training, and personal development.

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The Washington Literacy Center has been a cornerstone of adult education in Washington, DC, for over 60 years. Established in 1963, WLC was founded in response to the critical need for adult literacy education in the District, where thousands of residents faced significant barriers due to low literacy levels. Originally operating as a volunteer-based tutoring initiative, WLC has since grown into a comprehensive educational institution that provides structured, high-quality programs designed to equip adult learners with the skills needed for personal and professional success.

Our mission is to empower adults with the foundational reading, math, digital, and life skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce and beyond. Through innovative, tailored instruction, we build confidence, support job readiness, and prepare learners for meaningful work, lifelong learning, and greater independence.

OUR

MISSION

200+

Adults Learners Served Annually by WLC

199K

Adults in DC

with Low Literacy

49.8%

Illiteracy Rate in

Wards 7&8

60M

U.S. Adults

with Low Literacy

22%

Adults at PIAAC

Level 1 or Below (DC)

$2.2T

Annual GDP Lost to

Low Literacy (U.S.)

To learn more click HERE

WLC CLASSES.

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PATHWAYS
TO PURPOSE.

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LEARNING SKILLS
FOR LIFE.

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GET
INVOLVED.

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IN OTHER

WORDS

Here is what some of our recent learners, donors, and supporters have to say about the Washington Literacy Center. Click on them to read their story.

READ DESTINY'S STORY

READ MALCOM'S STORY

READ HELEN'S STORY

READ MITCHELL'S STORY

VIEW STACEY'S STORY

VIEW COUNCILWOMAN PINTO'S STORY

OUR

PARTNERS

We are proud to work with organizations that share our commitment to adult literacy. Our sponsors help make our work possible. WLC is proud to partner with leading corporations, companies, and foundations to support adult literacy.

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NEWS &

EVENTS

Stay informed. Stay connected. Read about our latest news and events in one place.

GET LIT Newsletter - Fall 2025

As we head in to the the new year, take a look back at what happened this fall at WLC with the latest issue of GET LIT , our quarterly newsletter. A must read on the struggle with adult learning, our new board members, and a wonderful student story highlight this issue. CLICK TO READ

Jan 2

Brunch on Purpose Fundraiser: Snow Outside, Momentun Inside

Brunch on Purpose brought warmth, community, and momentum to a snowy Sunday in D.C. More than 50 friends of Washington Literacy Center attended an event hosted by Marie and Wendell Johns to celebrate the power of adult education and to invest in the District’s residents who want a stronger future. Marie Johns and WLC President Jimmie Williams Marie Johns welcomed guests and thanked everyone for showing up despite the weather, underscoring why this work matters in a city that

Dec 19, 2025

Washington Literacy Center Welcomes New Board Member - Breanna Bledsoe

The Washington Literacy Center (WLC) is pleased to announce the election of Breanna Bledsoe to its Board of Directors, further strengthening the organization’s leadership as it works to expand adult literacy, digital skills, and workforce opportunities across the District of Columbia. We are welcoming a strong and capable Board determined to strengthen and enhance WLC’s future,” said Candace Cunningham , Chair of the Board of Directors. “They understand both the challenges a

Dec 16, 2025

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Learning opens doors—and changes lives. 💙📚

At Washington Literacy Center, every class, every lesson, and every milestone helps adult learners build confidence, gain new skills, and create brighter futures.

From first sentences to big achievements, we’re proud to support journeys that transform lives every day.

✨ Ready to be part of the change? Visit washlit.org to learn more.

#LiteracyChangesLives #AdultEducation #CommunityImpact #WashingtonDC #LifelongLearning EducationForAll

We live and learn at the Washington Literacy Center. Helping DC adult learners “get lit” since 1963. Contact us today if you are ready to take the next step on your journey. Link in the bio.🔗 #adultliteracy #getlit #washlit #learningforeveryone

In D.C., thousands of adults still struggle with reading—limiting job access, economic mobility, and full participation in community life.

This @afronews commentary article from WLC President and CEO Jimmie Williams and WLC board member Adrian Jordan highlights how investing in adult literacy doesn’t just change individual lives—it strengthens families, neighborhoods, and the entire city.

When people can read, they can work, advocate, and thrive.

A stronger D.C. starts with literacy.

Read the full article at the link in our bio.🔗
#LiteracyMatters #DCCommunity #AdultEducation #Equity #Empowerment

Learning is for everyone. 📚✨

No matter your age, background, or starting point—your journey matters. At Washington Literacy Center, we believe adult literacy opens doors to confidence, opportunity, and community.

If you or someone you know is ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Contact us today. Link in bio.🔗

#LearningForEveryone #LiteracyMatters #AdultLiteracy #CommunityImpact #WashingtonDC

Adult literacy changes lives! 📖📚✖️➗➕🟰💻⌨️🩺🏥💵💳
It’s more than learning to read—it’s also math literacy, digital literacy, health literacy, financial literacy, and workforce training. It’s about gaining confidence, finding new opportunities, and building a better future.

When adults improve their literacy, they can pursue careers, support their families, and fully participate in their communities.

At the Washington Literacy Center, adult literacy opens doors to brighter futures. 🌟

#AdultLiteracy #GetLit #WorkforceDevelopment #LifelongLearning #Opportunity CommunityImpact

Celebrating Women’s History Month 🌟

Mignon Clyburn has dedicated her career to public service, serving as a Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission @fcc (2009 - 2018), where she championed digital equity, consumer protection, and access for underserved communities. Today, through her work with MLC Strategies, she continues to advance impactful solutions and advocate for inclusive opportunities.

WLC celebrates her commitment to empowering communities through access and knowledge—values that are at the heart of everything we do.

Here’s to strong women who lead, uplift, and inspire.

#WomensHistoryMonth #Leadership #DigitalEquity #CommunityImpact #LiteracyForAll Inspiration

Celebrating Women’s History Month 🌟

Cora Masters Barry is a lifelong educator, public servant, and advocate for DC communities.

From youth development to voting rights and public health, her leadership continues to make an impact across Washington, DC.

Her commitment to education and opportunity reflects the mission of the Washington Literacy Center.

#WomensHistoryMonth #Leadership #Community #WashingtonDC #Impact

Celebrating Women’s History Month 🌟

We are proud to recognize Marie C. Johns—business leader, former SBA Deputy Administrator, and advocate for stronger communities.

Her leadership has expanded opportunities for small businesses and supported adult literacy, including the work of the Washington Literacy Center.

#WomensHistoryMonth #Leadership #Community #AdultLiteracy #DC

Adult education directly enables a better future by fostering career advancement, increasing earning potential, and enhancing personal well-being. It serves as a tool to break poverty cycles, improves health outcomes, and builds confidence while meeting workforce demands.

Our mission is to empower adults with the foundational reading, math, digital, and life skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce and beyond. Through innovative, tailored instruction, we build confidence, support job readiness, and prepare learners for meaningful work, lifelong learning, and greater independence.

The latest cohort of aspiring mixologists began our Learning Skills for Life program yesterday. They will undergo a 5-week program that will include bartender training, identification of life skills and personal strengths, identification of financial fitness and preparedness, and development of employment readiness skills. We look forward to our learners shifting from being students in training to becoming confident, employable professionals ready to join the workforce. Thank you to our partners @diageo_na and @professionalbartendingschool.

Last chance to register for this bartending training program. Registration for this cohort ends tomorrow.🚨 There are NO program fees.

🔗 Apply today:�https://www.washlit.org/learningskillsforlife

Tag someone who needs this opportunity. Share with your network. This could change someone’s trajectory.
#LearningSkillsForLife�#WashingtonLiteracyCenter�#BartenderTraining�#HospitalityCareers�#DCJobs

Digital literacy for adults enables the confident use of technology for essential tasks like operating devices, navigating the internet, using software (e.g., email, word processing), and ensuring online security. focusing on building practical skills for daily life and workforce participation.

Our digital literacy course will improve introductory computer and digital skills through a hybrid learning experience. Enroll today! #digitalliteracy #online #workforcedevelopment #internet

Last chance to register for this bartending training program. Registration for this cohort ends this Thursday.🚨 There are NO program fees.🚨

🔗 Apply today:�https://www.washlit.org/learningskillsforlife

Tag someone who needs this opportunity. Share with your network. This could change someone’s trajectory.
#LearningSkillsForLife�#WashingtonLiteracyCenter�#BartenderTrainings�#HospitalityCareers�#DCJobs

March is National Reading Month. The Washington Literacy Center remains committed to supporting adult literacy in the DC Metro area. We help adults acquire the basic reading skills they need to become productive workers, family members, and citizens.
What are you reading? 📚📖📙📘📗📕🎓

More than 119,000 adults in the District struggle with low literacy. That means tens of thousands of our neighbors are unable to complete their education, land and keep good jobs, or fully participate in the city’s prosperity. It’s an invisible crisis that touches every corner of D.C., particularly communities east of the river. And it’s holding us back. Boosting adult literacy isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s an economic necessity. A workforce that can read, write, and engage in ongoing training is the foundation of a strong local economy. It attracts employers, reduces reliance on public services, and breaks cycles of poverty and incarceration. #adulteducation #adultliteracy #workforcedevelopment #getlit

Learning Skills for Life is our unique bartender training program that we partnered with @diageo_na and @professionalbartendingschool. It is intended for individuals experiencing unemployment and financial difficulties. The course supports professional growth for those seeking entry-level positions in the hospitality industry. The curriculum includes bartender training, identification of life skills and personal strengths, identification of financial fitness and preparedness, and development of employment readiness skills. Enroll today!📚🍹🥃🍸Link in bio🔗 #adultliteracy #workforcetraining #getlit #adultlearning #bartender

Ready to enter the bartending industry?

The Washington Literacy Center, @diageo_na, one of the world’s leading beverage companies, and @professionalbartendingschool are offering a 5-Week Learning Skills for Life bartender training program — designed specifically for individuals who are NOT currently bartenders but want to break into the industry.

The next cohort starts March 16. We are interviewing now! Only 30 slots available.

YOU CAN RECEIVE A FREE BARTENDER TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP (for those seeking to enter the bartending industry)
We offer this scholarship as part of a national initiative to collaborate with communities and individuals facing unemployment and financial challenges. We are interested in applicants who are currently unemployed, underemployed, or experiencing financial hardship. You MUST meet the listed qualification criteria. All candidates will be interviewed.

This is a scholarship. There are NO FEES. You are responsible for your transportation, arriving on time, and 100% attendance.

QUALIFYING CRITERIA:
* Motivated with an interest in pursuing a career in Bartending
* 18 years of age or older
* Availability: MONDAY - FRIDAY from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

This is more than bartending. This is career transformation.

💡 Eligibility Requirements: ✔ 18 years or older ✔ Available Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM ✔ Motivated to pursue bartending as a career ✔ Able to commit to 100% attendance

🚨 There are NO program fees.

🔗 Apply today: https://www.washlit.org/learningskillsforlife

Tag someone who needs this opportunity. Share with your network. This could change someone’s trajectory.
#LearningSkillsForLife #WashingtonLiteracyCenter #BartenderTraining #HospitalityCareers #DCJobs CareerOpportunity

After #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday, it’s time to give back. #GivingTuesday is TOMORROW. Will you join our global movement? Check out our link in the bio.🔗

Tomorrow is #givingtuesday! A donation directly supports our mission to empower adults with the foundational reading, math, digital, and life skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce and beyond. When you educate a person, that positive impact spreads to their family, community and the entire world! Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Donate today at the link in our bio. #givingtuesday #giveback #adultliteracy

After #BlackFriday, tomorrow is #CyberMonday. After that it’s time to give back. #GivingTuesday. Will you join our global movement? Give at the link in our bio🔗

For those of you who missed it…WLC President and CEO Jimmie Williams was guest today on the @washinformer podcast today to highlight the powerful connection between literacy and health outcomes.

[DONATE LINK IN BIO] Support Adult Literacy. Donate today! #adultliteracy #getlit #washingtonliteracycenter #washlit #literacyforall #communityempowerment #whereliveschange

Thanks to our friends at Research Allies for Lifelong Learning for this info!

[DONATE LINK IN BIO] Support Adult Literacy. Donate today! #adultliteracy #getlit #washingtonliteracycenter #washlit #literacyforall #communityempowerment #whereliveschange

WLC President and CEO Jimmie Williams testified yesterday before the DC Council Committee on Education and @christinahendersondc. Jimmie attested that “literacy in all its forms is critical to the strength of families and communities across D.C.” He also expressed support for @wellpoint DC and for the partnership we have built together. #adultliteracy #washlit #getlit #healthliteracy

Functional literacy is the ability to use practical skills to read, write and communicate and be able to function and engage effectively in the community. Literacy = independence, confidence, and opportunity. 📚✨ #AdultLiteracy #FunctionalLiteracy #WashLit #WhereLivesChange #GetLit #Empowerment

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WHERE LIVES
CHANGE

To learn more click HERE

WLC CLASSES.

PATHWAYS
TO PURPOSE.

LEARNING SKILLS
FOR LIFE.

GET
INVOLVED.

GET LIT Newsletter - Fall 2025

Brunch on Purpose Fundraiser: Snow Outside, Momentun Inside

Washington Literacy Center Welcomes New Board Member - Breanna Bledsoe

FOLLOW US.

HELP CHANGE LIVES!

CFC #85286

WHERE LIVES CHANGE

To learn more click HERE

WLC CLASSES.

PATHWAYS TO PURPOSE.

LEARNING SKILLS FOR LIFE.

GET INVOLVED.

GET LIT Newsletter - Fall 2025

Brunch on Purpose Fundraiser: Snow Outside, Momentun Inside

Washington Literacy Center Welcomes New Board Member - Breanna Bledsoe

FOLLOW US.

​

HELP CHANGE LIVES!

CFC #85286

WHERE LIVES
CHANGE

PATHWAYS
TO PURPOSE.

LEARNING SKILLS
FOR LIFE.

GET
INVOLVED.