Center For Literacy History
In response to the need in the West Philadelphia community for adult basic literacy instruction, the Center for Literacy began as a volunteer tutoring program in 1968. The program quickly expanded to other areas of Philadelphia in need of adult tutoring. The demand for tutoring services soon exceeded the availability of volunteer tutors, and CFL began adding classroom instruction for adult basic education (ABE). GED preparation classes followed, and in a few short years CFL was offering neighborhood classes in donated space at public libraries, elementary schools, churches and community centers.
Over the past thirty-eight years, CFL diversified its literacy services to provide a wide range of literacy services to help a diverse population of learners, in accordance with its mission. CFL services continued to expand, and now include English as a second language (ESL) classes, a Family Literacy program, an Adult Diploma Program (ADP), a Learning Disabilities Initiative, and Workforce Education Programs. In 1994, the Center for Literacy was the only Pennsylvania recipient and one of ten programs across the nation to receive the U. S. Secretary of Education's Award for Outstanding Adult Education and Literacy Programs. CFL continues to develop meaningful programs that respond to the specific needs of those we serve.