Ozark Literacy Council Inc

Workforce development. Ozark literacy council has a 60-year history as a provider of english language acquisition classes in washington county. Our existing partnerships with other regional adult education programs and workforce services strengthen coordination between programs and navigation opportunities for students. We are strengthening ela supported skills training in our region by coordinating pathways to training with other area providers to increase opportunities for adults who speak other languages. By strategizing with area business leaders, we are targeting workforce gaps. Through improved language skills, integrated with workforce training, new arkansans will gain employment to strengthen our regional economy and build a more inclusive community.

Welcome center. Our welcome center is central to our volunteer program built on three ideas -opportunity, welcoming and friendship. We pair immigrants with volunteers to practice language skills and learn more about our region. Thanks to volunteers, many immigrants have the opportunity that they otherwise wouldn't have to take english classes. Our volunteers allow us to provide low-cost individualized classes at different times and days. Thanks to volunteers, immigrants feel more welcome here. In many cases, our volunteers are the immigrants' first real bridge to the broader community. Thanks to volunteers, our community is more integrated. Language segregates us, but our volunteers use that barrier as an excuse to connect with and form meaningful friendships with english learners.