Adult Literacy Center

The Mission

The goal of the Adult Literacy Center is to improve literacy, resulting in enhanced self-esteem, daily living, and life-long learning. Utilizing volunteers, the DUALC improves the quality of adults' lives by helping them learn to read, write and comprehend.

The Adult Literacy Center has been part of the Drake University School of Education since 1976. The Center is staffed by volunteers from the Drake and greater Des Moines communities who are dedicated to literacy and community outreach. 

Imagine a life without reading. Literacy Center students have these experiences: 

“I know I can learn. I’ve never been given the chance.” 

“I cannot read street signs or maps. I want to pass a driving test.” 

“I am not sure if I have read my medicine instructions correctly.” 

“I wish I could read to my grandchildren.” 

“I cannot even help my first grader with her homework.” 

“I read so slow, I get frustrated.” 

“I just want to be normal at school.” 

“I was afraid to hold my head up and look people in the eye.” 

“If I could read and write, I could do anything.”

Contact us

     Drake University 
     Adult Literacy Center 
     School of Education 
     3206 University Avenue
     Des Moines Iowa, IA 50311 

     Anne Murr, Coordinator
     (515) 271-3982 
     anne.murr@drake.edu

Changing Lives

• Learning to Read Changes Adults' Lives Video
• Learning to Read Changes Adults' Lives Video2

The Sponsors

The Literacy Center is supported by: 

• Polk County
• United Way of Central Iowa
• Contributions from local individuals and businesses

Advisory Council

• Cate Bremer
• Kerwin Dobbins
• Ted Economos
• Dr. Shelley Fairbairn
• Jean Larson Mineart
• Marcia Martin
• Craig Morkert
• Steven Pritchard
• Kay Runner
• Jill Southworth
• Michelle Zeiser

The Adult Learners

Persons served by the Literacy Center represent a cross-section of ethnicity and come mainly from lower income brackets. Reading skills range from pre-reading to approximately fourth grade. 

• Each year, over 100 adults receive literacy services.
• Currently, 70 adult students are being tutored. Many others are on a waiting list. 
• Students are eager to learn so they can improve their job, school, and home responsibilities. 
• 70% of the adult students are employed. They hold jobs that require only basic reading skills. 
• 15% are learning English as a second language. 
• On average, students remain in the program for 2 years. 
• Students pay only a $10.00 materials fee. 

To enroll for tutoring, call 271-3982 to schedule an interview and brief assessment. 

For More Information

• National Association for Adults with Special Learning Needs:
  www.naasln.org
• National Coalition for Literacy:
  www.national-coalition-literacy.org
• Voice for Adult Literacy United to Educate:
  www.valueusa.org
• Commission on Adult Basic Education:
  www.coabe.org
• Wilson Reading System:
  www.wilsonlanguage.com

The Tutors

All tutors are volunteers who meet for 2 one-hour, one-to-one sessions each week at the Adult Literacy Center.  They each receive 9 hours of training in multi-sensory, structured teaching of word structure for reading and spelling.  Tutors have flexible hours, Mon.–Thurs. 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. and Fri. 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Requirements and qualifications to be a tutor include: 

• learns independently within a given stricture 
• works effectively with persons from diverse backgrounds 
• communicates respect for others 
• recognizes and adapts to the needs of the student 
• continues with student for at least one semester; one year commitment preferred 
• maintains confidentiality about student 
• maintains professional conduct at all times 
• follows the Adult Literacy Center's stated mission, policies and procedures 

Volunteer Tutor Resources

• Capture student success by clicking here
• Report tutoring hours by clicking here
• Download a tutor application by clicking here

Our tutors tell us they enjoy many benefits from the tutoring experience.

“My student told me that he does not feel stupid at work anymore.” 

“I can see my student gaining confidence and self-esteem.” 

“Seeing Bill’s struggle first-hand, I learned to take things one step at a time.” 

“I really feel like I am contributing.” 

“I've learned to celebrate the little victories.”

“Tutoring at the Adult Literacy Center is a valuable part of my life.”