The Portage County Literacy Coalition (PCLC), a non-profit organization, has made significant progress during the past 32 years by increasing awareness of literacy issues, promoting growth, expansion, and services to literacy programs in Portage County.

NOTICE:   We are looking for new Portage County Literacy Coalition Board Members.   We meet once a month (September-June).   Join the PCLC and support literacy in Portage County, Ohio. You can request an application by sending an email to gauntnerla@mwood.cc.

Portage County Literacy Coalition

Our mission is to assist in developing Portage County as a community where all adults can use literacy proficiently to function on the job, continue to post-secondary education, participate in society, contribute to community and family. The PCLC supports Maplewood Career Center’s ASPIRE Program.  These programs are free-of-charge and promote to adults of Portage County skills, which include:  Work readiness and computer skills, education skills, life skills, ESOL, Medical Readiness, and GED/HSE preparation. The Portage County Literacy Coalition supports these programs and “Life long Learning.”  For more information regarding the PCLC, please call (330) 235-0020.

Portage County Literacy Coalition Tea

The Literacy Tea celebrates the love of reading among children and adults during the month of March while promoting awareness of literacy as a fundamental skill for success. It also let’s Portage County residents know that The Portage County Literacy Coalition (PCLC) promotes literacy in the area. Every March a yearly invitation is sent out to Portage County residents. They are invited to stay home, read a good book, drink a cup of tea, and support literacy in the Portage County area. If you are interested in more information, please call (330) 235-0020.

Portage County Literacy Coalition Annual GED Recognition

Every June the PCLC sponsors the annual GED/HSE Recognition with approximately 200 attending family, friends, and graduates.  The Portage County Retired Teachers Association attends to congratulate graduates and handout their fresh baked cookies, cake, and punch to everyone.    Helen Jane and Don M. Wilson, Jr. scholarships are awarded to qualified GED/HSE students that are going onto further their education.   Approximately $3,000 dollars is awarded annually to a GED/HSE grad transitioning  into post-secondary education, training, or trade.   Also, a continuing education scholarship for $1,000 dollars is dispersed annually to someone currently in school.

Application Process for the $1,000 Scholarship

There scholarships distributed at each GED graduation. The funds from the scholarship are to be used by the GED graduate for going into post-secondary education, training, or trade.  The GED/HSE graduate applying for the $1,000 scholarship must meet the following qualifications:

• Be a first time GED/HSE graduate
• Must use the funds for continuing their education
• Fill out the $1,000 application and write a 300 word essay stating: Honors or Special Recognition you have received; work experience, activities, and why you would be a good recipient of this award.
• Return to the ASPIRE Office. Please call the office at (330) 235-0020 to find out what date in May this is due.

View the Scholarship Application Here

Application Process for the Continuing Education/Training Scholarship

There is one scholarship distributed at the GED/HSE graduation for a student that is currently enrolled in secondary education and/or continuing their education. The funds from the scholarship are to be used by the GED/HSE graduate for continuing their education. The GED/HSE graduate applying for the scholarship must meet the following qualifications:

• There is one scholarship
• Must be a previous GED recipient
• Be currently enrolled in a school to continue their education
• Must use the funds for continuing their education within one year of receipt
• Fill out the application and write a 300 word essay stating: Honors or Special Recognition you have received; work experience, activities, and why you would be a good recipient of this award.
• Return the application to the ASPIRE Office. Please call the office at (330) 235-0020 to find out what day in May this is due.

The PCLC sponsors the following scholarships: View Application for Continuing Ed Scholarships Here

Volunteer for Adult Literacy

Adult learners need your help and you can make a significant difference in someone’s life just by donating three hours a week of your time. If you are a caring person who wants to help, who believes that adults can learn, has empathy, is patient, flexible, and versatile then you are the person we need. An orientation and a four (4) hour workshop is provided and required to prepare you for one-on-one tutoring in reading and writing. A certified teaching staff is available to guide and assist you, and the training and tutoring materials are free. The rewards are great. Quoting Dr. Laubach, Literacy Pioneer Founder, “The greatest thrill I have had is to see the joy in someone’s face when they learn to read.” The need for reading tutors is essential in Portage County, because the are area approximately 8,000 adults who are not able to read, do a simple math problem, or read a story to their child. Not only is this a tragedy for these individuals, the consequences are staggering for communities. The cost to companies, industries, social agencies, and health care providers run into billions of dollars each year. With your help we can provide a better way of life to our adult learners, and give them the education they need to become better citizens, family members, and employees.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please call (330) 235-0020.