Literacy KC

05/29/2026

Behind every Literacy KC classroom is a community of volunteers helping students build confidence, strengthen skills, and work toward their goals.

Volunteer tutor applications for the 2026 to 2027 school year are now open. Tutors commit to supporting students each week in the classroom and play an important role in creating welcoming, supportive learning environments for adult learners across Kansas City.

Interested in joining us?

Apply today: https://literacykc.tfaforms.net/29

Requirements:
• Must be 18 years or older
• Reliable transportation
• Completion of a background check
• Commitment to weekly volunteer shifts in an assigned classroom

New tutor onboarding begins in mid-July.

Questions? Contact [email protected]

05/28/2026

May flew by and brought with it so many opportunities to celebrate progress, partnership, and community.

This month brought together Beyond Words Breakfast, Teacher Appreciation Week, end of year celebrations with students, and the release of Vines of Truth Volume Eight alongside students and Visiting Writers.

We also saw volunteers show up in big ways, connected with fellow educators at the MAWD Conference, and spent an evening together at Music Bingo raising support for adult learners.

Thank you to everyone who spent time learning, volunteering, teaching, supporting, and celebrating with us this month. We’re excited for what summer has in store.

05/27/2026

Here are a few more moments from last week’s Vines of Truth anthology event, including a reading from one of our incredible student speakers.

Each year, the anthology brings together writing from Literacy KC students and Visiting Writers, creating space for stories, experiences, and creativity to be shared with the community. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate this year’s release.

05/26/2026

Students in our newest IET and certification class are preparing for careers that make a direct impact in classrooms across Missouri.

Through Literacy KC’s Substitute Teacher and Paraprofessional Certification program, students are building the skills and credentials needed to become eligible to work as substitute teachers or paraprofessionals by the end of the course. These classes help create clear pathways toward employment while supporting schools and students in our community.

We’re excited to see this newest group take the next step toward their goals.

Interested in learning more or joining a class? Call Literacy KC at 816-333-9332.

05/22/2026

This week’s Music Bingo night at Casual Animal Brewing Co. brought together community members, supporters, and plenty of friendly competition in support of adult learners at Literacy KC.

Events like these create space for people to connect while directly supporting students working toward new opportunities through education. Thank you to everyone who joined us, played along, and helped make the night such a success.

If you missed this one, we’d love to see you at the next Music Bingo night on June 24th at 6:30 p.m.

05/21/2026

Netty’s been busy!

Between teaching in the classroom and advocating for adult education at the state level, Netty continues to create opportunities for students both inside and outside Literacy KC. As an ABE Instructor and SAAFE Fellow, she’s spent the past few weeks connecting with educators, community leaders, and fellow advocates while continuing to support students in reaching their goals.

These moments reflect an important part of adult education work that often happens beyond the classroom. Building partnerships, sharing student experiences, and advocating for accessible education all help strengthen opportunities for adult learners across Kansas City and beyond.

We’re grateful for the leadership, care, and commitment Netty brings to this work every day.

05/19/2026

For the past four years, Sarah has taught ELL, Forklift, and Citizenship classes at Literacy KC. What keeps her coming back is seeing students work toward goals they once thought were out of reach.

She shared that some of the most inspiring students she’s worked with are those who began in literacy classes learning the ABCs and, just a few years later, are now participating in high-level English conversations about their lives and plans for the future.

Sarah says the energy and determination her students bring into the classroom changes her perspective every day. “It’s amazing to be surrounded by people who strive for their goals with such tenacity and also support each other with such compassion.”

Thank you, Sarah, for the care, encouragement, and opportunity you create for students every day.

05/18/2026

This weekend, Literacy KC celebrated the release of Vines of Truth Volume Eight alongside students, Visiting Writers, volunteers, and community members.

The event featured readings from both Literacy KC students and visiting writers, highlighting the role creative expression and storytelling can play in building confidence, connection, and community.

Vines of Truth reflects the creativity and experiences within our student community and the supportive learning spaces built throughout the year. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped celebrate this work with us.

05/18/2026

05/15/2026

Summer at Literacy KC is packed with fun ways to connect, celebrate, and support adult learners across Kansas City. From music bingo nights and a Drink to Donate happy hour to our Anthology Launch Party, there’s something for everyone in this year’s Summer Events lineup.

We’re kicking things off tomorrow with the release celebration for this year’s Vines of Truth anthology featuring readings from Visiting Writers and Literacy KC students, plus an open mic to end the night.

Check out the full schedule and join us this summer!