On Saturday, May 6, 2023, Literacy Network held its first Graduation and Achievement Ceremony. Literacy Network recognized 58 students who earned their GED/HSED, got their US citizenship, completed ESL programming, or won an Altrusa scholarship between 2022-2023.

The program featured Literacy Network staff, as well as current and graduated students. While introducing the GED/HSED graduates, a student speaker mentioned, “Literacy Network was instrumental in my English learning journey when I first came to the United States. Its positive influence on my education cannot be overstated. It set me on the right path and gave me the tools I needed to succeed.”

Congratulations, graduates, and good luck in your next steps!

Schools may be out for the summer, but students are as busy as ever at Literacy Network! Summer classes began May 30. In addition to returning students, more than 100 new students participated in class registration (including Nicolas, pictured registering with staff Cassie and Ale), and more continue to register. Group class programs are at 97% capacity!

In recent semesters, Literacy Network has continued to see a growing demand for English classes, in particular from community members with no or little English. To help meet this need, we have added a new basic English class starting this summer semester. The class, pictured above, immediately filled up, with nearly 30 students attending each lesson! 

We're happy to welcome Mona Soltani back to our team! Mona first joined Literacy Network in 2015 as an intern, and served in various positions before becoming the Citizenship Program Manager from 2019-2021.

After spending two years in Michigan with family, Mona is excited to be back in Madison. In her new role as Director of Student Engagement, Mona will create Literacy Network's first Student Advisory Board.

Mona shares, "I am so glad that I am working with Literacy Network’s amazing team again! In the coming months, we are excited to create a Student Advisory Board (SAB) to further bring students into Literacy Network’s decision-making process and create a space to amplify their voices. Serving on the SAB, our students can also develop their leadership and advocacy skills. We hope some students will be able to leverage their experience on this board to serve on other boards in the community. We are planning to start recruiting students this summer and convene our first SAB in fall."

Delicious food for a good cause? Yes, please! Throughout June, Literacy Network will receive $1 for every order of Khao Tod at Ahan (2262 Winnebago St, Madison), whose Jamie Brown-Soukaseume is a recent James Beard Award finalist!

Thank you, Ahan, for supporting our students!

With many of our volunteers taking a well-deserved break from tutoring this summer, we are in need of about 15 more tutors for our summer semester. We have students in our ESL, Essential Literacy, Citizenship, and GED/HSED programs waiting to be matched with a tutor. 

Learn more about each program on our website. The best way to get started is by filling out an application sharing your preferences and availability. 

Tutors who have worked with Literacy Network in the past can reconnect by emailing Lilly Rotter at Lilly@litnetwork.org.

Please consider monthly and planned giving. Find out more here.