All services are free. Support for our programs comes from the United Way of Fort Smith, the Adult Learning Alliance, and other organizations who understand the importance of the work we do.

Please visit our “Become a Tutor” page and sign up! The process is fast and simple. We will provide you with training resources and we regularly schedule lunch and learn sessions so our tutors can continue growing in their work.

You can also help by making a donation. Visit our “Become a Bestie” page to learn more! Every dollar goes towards making generational changes in our community.

Literacy councils are organizations that support adult learners with 1 to 1 tutoring. Volunteer tutors typically work with adults who are below a 6th grade level and then help them transition to an adult education center where they finish the coursework they need to get a GED.

Nationally, about 1 in 5 adults are considered low-literate. This means they can read sight words and simple sentences. Often, they cannot compare and contrast information nor decode complex paragraphs. In Sebastian County, the number is 1 in 4 or about 25,000 adults.

Yes. The Literacy Council of Western Arkansas is a 501c3 organization and all donations are tax-exempt as defined by the IRS. Please check with your tax advisor about your own personal situation.

Monetary gifts to the Literacy Council support our operations and our programs by providing us with the funds to purchase curriculum materials, promote our work in the community, and recruit and retain staff that have a passion and talent for this work.

Thank you for thinking of us, but our ability to accept non-monetary donations is very limited. We do not accept used books, old computers, food, clothing, or other items that require storage. Our space is very small and we are focused on our mission of helping adults grow in their literacy.