Contact Us                 

Phone: (919) 489-8383
Fax: (919) 489-7637
info@durhamliteracy.org


Mailing Address:

Durham Literacy Center
P.O. Box 52209
Durham, NC 27717

Classroom Locations:

We have several classroom sites. Please click here and scroll down for addresses, hours, and contact info for each site.

Office Location:

SunTrust Bank Building
Suite 102
4235 University Dr.
Durham, NC 27707





      

The Durham Literacy Center comprises three core programs and six additional programs. (Click on the names of the three core programs to learn more about them.)

Durham Literacy Center Core Programs


ESOL


Adult Literacy


Teen Career Academy


Description

Functional English language instruction for non-native English speakers. Designed to equip adult immigrants with the English language skills needed to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Student-centered functional literacy program designed to equip adults with reading and writing skills that empower their participation with their families, work place, and larger community.

Rigorous, learner-centered academic training, personal development and integrated career paths program. Designed to equip teens who have left school with the knowledge, motivation and skills necessary to advance their lives and contribute positively to society.

Students

274 adults served in 2007/08 (200+ per semester)

118 adults served in 2007/08 (100 per semester)

46 teens (ages 16-18) served in 2007/08 (35 to 45 per year; average enrollment is 15).

Classes

Beginner, intermediate & advanced classes meet twice per week for two hours each session. Classes are taught by volunteers at 2100 Chapel Hill Rd & 3 County Library Locations.

Tutors meet with students in one-on-one classes twice per week (1.5 hours per session) at 2100 Chapel Hill Rd & several Durham County Library locations.

Two classes meet Monday through Thursday (testing & speakers on Fridays) at the Emily K Center at 904 W. Chapel Hill Street

Curriculum

Focuses on real world skills such as obtaining employment, participating in children’s education, and obtaining adequate housing. Other classes target specific language needs, such as English for restaurant workers.

Phonics-based multi-sensory approach to teaching reading and writing. Tailored to meet the needs of each student. (Beginning readers use the Wilson Reading System; Intermediate & advanced readers use STAR strategies and Megawords.)

Self-paced, individualized instruction on GED and life skills topics in a non-competitive environment.

Staff & Volunteers

Program Coordinator: Daniel Lawrence

AmeriCorps: Tamara Bartreau

Volunteers: 40 trained volunteer tutors

Program Coordinator: Gardy Perard

Program Associate: Rebecca Schaffer

AmeriCorps: Deb Wong

Volunteers: 65 per semester

Program Coordinator: Malcom Reed

AmeriCorps: Mickey MacAdam

Volunteers: 4 to 12 per year

Other DLC Programs



Escuela de la Familia


Adult Literacy GED

Threshold

Real Mundo

Computer Literacy Classes


Family Literacy program for Spanish-speaking mothers and preschoolers. English instruction, school readiness, and parenting support components.

Classes: 3 days/wk at the Family Center of Northern Durham

Students: 12 parents; 20 children

Instructor: Maria Blanco

Partner: Family Center of Northern Durham

Self-paced, individualized study program for adults who read above a grade 7 level and want to earn their GED. Program designed to improve career opportunities.

Classes: Wednesday evenings (1.5 hours) at 2100 Chapel Hill Rd.

Instructors: David Jones and AL Volunteer Tutors

Exceptional education program designed to improve the quality of life for Threshold clients with mental illness. GED, English, math, reading, poetry, and multiculturalism

Classes: 4 days/wk, 2 hrs/day

Students: 3-12 per class

Instructor: Anne Whitefield

Workshops focus on “real world” topics such as health literacy, financial literacy, civics, voting, immigration rights, and parenting skills.

Classes: Vary by year

Students: 10-30 students per workshop

Instructors: AL and ESOL staff, tutors, and community partners

Hands-on, self-paced basic computer training in a structured classroom setting.

Classes: 2 classes/week at 2100 Chapel Hill Rd.

Students: 10-20 per class

Instructors: Leon Carter & volunteers