First Literacy, Inc.

10/17/2026

Today's Scholar Spotlight is Damitu!

As a mother of three young daughters and a part-time Certified Nursing Assistant, returning to school seemed impossible for Damitu. But with perseverance and support from her family, she pursued her longtime dream of becoming a nurse.

With a First Literacy Scholarship, Damitu is studying Nursing at Bunker Hill Community College with less financial stress. She hopes to inspire her children through education and one day give back by helping others.

Nominated by Cambridge Community Learning Center we’re proud to be part of Damitu’s journey toward a brighter future!

10/17/2026

Meet First Literacy’s Associate Board! Our Associate Board is a group of young professionals who are passionate about raising awareness and funds to advance First Literacy’s mission of helping adults build the literacy skills they need to reach their goals. Through social and networking events, they bring people together to make a difference! Join them for a Happy Hour on November 3 at PKL! Come connect, meet new people, and have fun while supporting adult literacy. https://www.facebook.com/events/1853096639369199

10/13/2026

In the United States alone, there are 41 million adults with dyslexia. October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, so let’s take time to look at some skills that adult learners with dyslexia often struggle with and how educators can ensure that these students have the appropriate accommodations and interventions to help them thrive in the classroom. https://www.firstliteracy.org/teaching-adult-students-with-dyslexia-the-why-who-and-how/

Common behavioral and academic signs of dyslexia and teaching strategies educators can use to help adult learners with dyslexia thrive.

10/07/2026

For adults with low literacy skills, everyday tasks can become even more challenging. Reading a work schedule, understanding a school assignment, navigating an online portal, or remembering important appointments often requires both literacy and organizational skills. The good news is that these skills can be developed over time. By strengthening literacy and building simple organizational habits, adults can gain confidence and better manage the responsibilities of daily life.

How literacy helps manage information and put it into action. Five organizational skills that strengthen literacy skills.

10/07/2026

First Literacy is pleased to announce that Corey Groves, previously First Literacy’s Vice President of the Board, has been appointed as the new Board Chair. Effective September 1, Groves succeeds Jim Nolan, who recently stepped down after serving as Chairman for the past four years. Nolan will remain on the board and be a key member of the Executive Committee. Read the full release here:

Corey Groves, previously First Literacy’s Vice President of the Board, has been appointed as the new Board Chair.

10/03/2026

October is Health Literacy Awareness Month. Health literacy is a healthcare challenge that doesn’t get enough attention. For nearly one in four adults, low health literacy makes it difficult to find, understand, evaluate and act on health information. At First Literacy, we’re committed to being part of the solution by helping adults build the literacy skills they need to navigate health information and make informed decisions.

A recent World Economic Forum article explores five ways to improve health literacy, including making health information easier to understand, strengthening critical thinking skills, and creating more inclusive health services.

1 in 4 people around the world have low health literacy. Tackling that challenge could improve lives and save billions in healthcare funding globally.

10/02/2026

Join us October 23 for an interactive workshop exploring why and how to apply a growth mindset when you or your students face challenges and enter the “learning/stretch zone.”

Participants will learn practical techniques to help students build confidence when tackling everyday challenges, from speaking up at the grocery store to using a newly learned idiom. And these strategies aren’t just for the classroom—you can apply them in your own life, too!

First Literacy workshops are free for all teachers and program administrators of adult literacy programs across Massachusetts. Learn more and register here: https://www.firstliteracy.org/professional-development-workshops/

09/25/2026

Want to hear how First Literacy is helping adult learners and educators across Massachusetts? Sign up for our email updates to receive:

> Inspiring stories from adult learners
> Event invitations
> News and special announcements
> Ways you can support adult literacy

Stay informed. Stay connected. Sign up here: https://nb.firstliteracy.org/civicrm/profile/create?gid=28&reset=1

09/24/2026

Join us on October 2 from 2-4 PM for Bridging the Gap: Innovative Strategies for Adult Math Literacy. In this workshop participants will explore a variety of interactive online tools that citizenship teachers can use to make their lessons more engaging, such as Padlet, Wayground (formerly Quizizz), and Flippity. Only a few spaces are left! First Literacy workshops are free for all teachers and program administrators of adult literacy programs across Massachusetts. Learn more and register here: https://www.firstliteracy.org/professional-development-workshops/

09/22/2026

If you need a reminder of just how much literacy impacts daily life, check out this TED Talk with educator Bridget Shingleton.

"Literacy is essential. Literacy enables us to participate in all of life. Literacy honors human dignity and gives up hope for a better world."

Do you realize how many written words you process each day? Bridget...