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About Us

"If there were a map of Durham and you had to mark where the Literacy Center is, you would use a heart, because that's what it's all about here . . . There's such love and such commitment to individuals that it's astounding to me."  

 

Sara Bell, DLC Adult Literacy Tutor

Our Mission​

 

We help adults meet their life goals by offering learner-centered educational opportunities.

Since 1985, the Durham Literacy Center (DLC) has provided free instruction and tutoring to over 18,500 adults and out-of-school youth.

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Amid Durham’s exciting growth and change, the DLC remains the leading independent adult literacy provider in Durham County, the only community-based organization focused entirely on adult literacy.

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The Durham Literacy Center…

  • Teaches adults to read and write

  • Prepares out-of-school youth and adult learners to pass high school equivalency tests, such as the GED® and HiSet®

  • Provides English classes for immigrant and refugee adults

  • Provides job-readiness and connections to vocational and post-secondary opportunities

  • Develops computer and digital literacy skills

  • Trains and supports hundreds of volunteers each year to help students achieve their educational goals

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To learn more about our programs, click here. 

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To accomplish this, the DLC partners with many agencies, including Durham Technical Community College, the Durham County Library, Made In Durham, El Centro Hispano, and the Durham Children’s Initiative. Click here to learn more about our partners. 

 

We’re proud to have been recognized locally and statewide for our high quality programming, thorough accountability, and solid results. Click here to learn more about our impact.

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Want to get involved? Click below to find out more about becoming a student or volunteer at the Durham Literacy Center. 

Our Mission
The Durham Literacy Center helps adults meet their life goals by offering learner-centered educational opportunities.
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Our Vision

All adults have the power to change their lives and their community through literacy.

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​Our Values

  • Student-Centered: We assess the needs of our learners and tailor our approach to address those needs.

  • Upward: Our goal is to help each student reach new heights and achieve success.

  • Collaboration: We work together with our students, staff, board and community to achieve our mission.

  • Community: We are all vital participants, supporting each other, within our organization and in society.

  • Excellence: We hold ourselves accountable, seeking the highest level of learning and continuous improvement for ourselves and our students.

  • Everyone: We celebrate differences among our students, staff and volunteers.

  • Determination: We are determined and resourceful in our efforts to achieve our goals.

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