Our Mission:

Racine Literacy Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Southeast Wisconsin. As an educational nonprofit, we have been providing adult education and literacy services to the residents of Racine County for 62 years. Racine is one of the most impoverished communities in the Greater Milwaukee Area. Approximately 18.2% of the city's population lives below the federal poverty line, twice the rate for Wisconsin overall, and 36% of minors live in poverty (U.S. Census). Racine Literacy Council is working to empower adults and families through education, and we need your help.

We are funded through a combination of grants, fundraisers and the generosity of private donors, including charitable foundations and individuals. Your gift is tax deductible. If you’d like to donate to support adult and family literacy programs in Southeast Wisconsin, please visit our Donation page.

We are governed by a Board of Directors and audited annually, and our 990 Tax Forms are available upon request. All of our programs are free to the learner. We support literacy in Racine with a variety of programs:

  • Adult Basic Education (reading skills, math, science, civics and more)

  • GED preparation courses

  • One-on-one tutoring by volunteers

  • Basic and advanced English language instruction for adults, children and families

  • A course to assist immigrants in preparing for the U.S. Citizenship test and interview process

  • Life skills courses such as Drivers License instruction

  • Career preparation and work skills

  • Computer skills and certifications

  • Classes modified to meet the needs of adults with disabilities, working parents and the elderly

  • Family literacy programs that allow parents to take classes while tutors work with their children

  • Partnering with community organizations to improve access to literacy programs, such as tutoring in schools, tutoring at-risk youth in juvenile justice and offering off-site classes and programs to underserved populations

  • Offering a lending library with books for all ages and abilities, as well as providing books to teens in juvenile detention

Our mission is to provide an array of literacy services that allow Racine County residents to attain their full potential and to be engaged citizens.

Our vision is that every person in Racine County has the literacy skills and confidence to live the life they dream.

Organizational Values:

  • Empowerment through Education

  • Welcoming and Belonging

  • Collaboration

  • Community Impact

  • Integrity and Stewardship

You can Donate here to support Literacy in Wisconsin.

Three GED students standing in front of the Racine Literacy Council building.