Services

For Potential Learners

Who are our students?
Our students are between 16 years old and 90 years old. Our students would like to learn or improve a skill for work, school or to help their family. It is never too late to learn!

Why do students call us?
Students might need help with their GED or diploma program.
Students want to improve their reading, writing, math, digital or overall communication skills.
Students would like to get a new or better job.

Where and when are the classes?
Our classes are offered virtually and in-person at different times and different sites throughout the county each week. Check out our current list of sessions here.

How much are your programs and services?
Our programs and services are FREE!

For Potential Volunteers

How does the program work?
RCLS Literacy Services is staffed by literacy professionals who work with local adult schools, community colleges and other literacy education providers in making and receiving student referrals. To serve our learners, we recruit and train volunteer community members to provide personalized or small group tutoring for adults in Riverside County. NO EDUCATION EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

What types of training and support are offered?
All volunteer tutors participate in a one-time 6-hour initial literacy training. When a tutor is matched with a learner or small group session (3-8 students), they receive an additional 2 hours or more training to work with their learner(s). Throughout the year, literacy staff host check-ins to build community amongst tutors, scheduled trainings and other as-needed support.

How long is the commitment?
Each learning session is about 2 hours weekly. Volunteers can expect to spend about 4 total hours each week preparing for their learning session and leading their learning session for a total of about 16 hours each month. Tutors are asked to commit to a minimum of 6 months when working one-on-one with a student or a full term if leading a small group session.

What are other ways I can help?

• Volunteering is a huge component of our program. However, we know it isn’t for everyone. Other ways you can help are:
• Contribute funds that will help sustain our ongoing literacy efforts.
• Offer in-kind services, such as video production, graphic design, printing or copying or other support tasks.
• Donate gently used books, educational supplies or personal health supplies, which are provided to our patrons on the mobile literacy resource vans.
• Become a literacy advocate by informing individuals and organizations about our literacy services!