York Literacy Institute

Teaching literacy skills in English to empower adults for successful engagement in the home, workplace, and community

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Providing Adult Literacy Classes Since 1976

Individuals served

Countries represented

Annual Students in classes

Our Mission Has Expanded

Today, York Literacy Institute provides in-person and HyFlex classes, one-to-one tutoring, presentation & workshops, and a digital language lab within our Adult Reading, English as a Second Language (ESL) & Next Step Programs. In each program, the adult student is given standardized assessments, an educational plan, instructional placement, referrals to other human service agencies, and educational institutions, and consultation on literacy topics. In addition to onsite access to our YLI Library, students are offered special classes in computer basics instruction and presentations on health literacy, workplace literacy, and financial literacy topics.

York Literacy Institute’s Programs

Students in a classroom in the Adult Reading Program

Adult Reading Program

Assisting English-speaking adults (18 years or older) to improve reading, writing, spelling, math, computer, & study skills

English as a Second Language

Focuses on improving conversation skills which includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills

Next Step Programs

Offers YLI students and former students support services for workplace and career readiness

How to Get Involved

Become a Tutor

Volunteer Tutoring at YLI is a rewarding experience as you help YLI’s mission get accomplished

Join a Committee

Each committee works diligently to guide YLI and our programs into the future. If you have skills, experience, or education in any of these areas, we welcome your assistance

Donate

There are many ways in which you can donate and help support our mission at the York Literacy Institute

News & Events

Welcome to the York Literacy Institute!

To start 2024, we are thrilled to announce that we are transforming from the York County Literacy Council (YCLC) to the York Literacy Institute (YLI.) This rebrand represents far more than just a new name and logo—it's a reflection of our evolution, our commitment to...

Jason McSherry Named as YLI’s New President & CEO

York Literacy Institute proudly announces the appointment of Jason McSherry as its new President and CEO, effective February 20, 2024. McSherry, a seasoned leader in the realm of healthcare and communications, emerges from an intensive national search to take over the...

Literary Heroes & Villains Event

Who is your favorite fictional character? Are you a Dr. Jekyll or a Mr. Hyde? We challenge you to get creative! Think Jane Eyre, Atticus Finch, the VILLAINOUS boy from the Giving Tree, Maleficent, or that guttersnipe Oliver Twist! Enjoy food, adult and soft beverages,...

ESL Class Hosts a Guest Presenter

We were delighted to have Natalee Gunderson, VP of Human Resources at The York Water Company, bring a wave of information and inspiration to our morning English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Her visit not only enriched the students' understanding of the local...

Happy International Literacy Day!

Every year on September 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Literacy Day, a day dedicated to promoting and advocating for literacy as a fundamental human right. This day serves as a reminder of the profound importance of literacy in our lives,...

Our History & Mission

How We Got Started

The mission began when a few community volunteers witnessed the need for adult literacy instruction in the York community. They attended workshops presented to learn the Laubach Method of teaching literacy skills and the groundwork was set.

The Journey Began

Incorporated in 1980, the mission continued as the number of learners and tutors grew. Volunteers met one-to-one with both English speaking illiterate or functionally illiterate adults and foreign-born individuals seeking to speak, read, and understand English.

The Future of Literacy in York County

Today, York Literacy Institute provides in-person and HyFlex classes, one-to-one tutoring, presentation & workshops, and a digital language lab within our Adult Reading, English as a Second Language (ESL) & Next Step Programs. In each program, the adult student is given standardized assessments, an educational plan, instructional placement, referrals to other human service agencies, and educational institutions, and consultation on literacy topics. In addition to onsite access to our YLI Library, students are offered special classes in computer basics instruction and presentations on health literacy, workplace literacy, and financial literacy topics.