"I Couldn't Even Read The Diploma"
Schools like Washington Literacy Center (WLC) and Literacy Volunteers and Advocates (LVA) appear to mitigate the literacy problem by helping former DC Public School students. They play an important role, but the recent budget cuts have made their mission almost impossible to fulfill.
In 2017, WLC, LVA and Southeast Ministry (SEM) formed a coalition to work with the DC City Council to secure funding in the DC Budget for Adult Basic Education -- adults over the age of 24 reading below the 5th grade level. Councilmember Robert White has agreed to take the lead in helping to advance the initiative. WLC, LVA did not receive funding and SEM funds were drastically reduced.
