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Supported by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education
at the U.S. Department of Education
The Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition
Highlights
Introduction
Background
Adult Education In Palm Beach County
Conclusion
Complete Profile (PDF, 229kb)
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HIGHLIGHTS

The Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition promotes literacy activities, coordinates services, and operates a literacy hotline with the help of many partners across the county.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY. . .

  • The Communications Committee involves media representatives in promoting literacy, recognizing learners' achievements, and recruiting learners and volunteers.

  • The Palm Beach County Bar Association's Lawyers for Literacy Committee helps sponsor literacy events and supplies volunteers for literacy activities.

AND WHY THEY WORK...

  • Leadership comes from local businesses with a vested interest in literacy. The Palm Beach Post needs readers, and Palm Beach County needs literate residents.

  • Media involvement brings literacy issues to the fore. Besides providing support for literacy activities, media partners build community awareness of literacy issues and services.

  • Inclusive events bring partners and the community together in support of literacy services. Events provide public recognition for adult learners and Coalition partners and keep literacy issues in the public eye.

  • Early success paves the way for more partnerships. The literacy hotline was an uncontroversial way to begin the Coalition, and this first success led to more partnerships.

  • Egos are left at the door. Partners put aside their own agendas to focus on the community-wide issue of adult literacy.

  • Natural connections are creatively exploited. Lawyers working with non-English-speaking clients have a natural interest in helping them become literate—and in having their law firms seen as good community citizens.