Washington Literacy Center

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Washington Literacy Center The Washington Literacy Center (WLC), founded in 1963, is one of the oldest adult literacy programs i

The Washington Literacy Center mourns the sudden and tragic passing of Talib Shakir, Director of The Office on Returning...
10/12/2026

The Washington Literacy Center mourns the sudden and tragic passing of Talib Shakir, Director of The Office on Returning Citizen Affairs - ORCA.

Talib was an authentic and committed public servant who worked tirelessly to connect returning citizens with education, employment, and sustainable opportunities.

When I reached out to several DC agency directors about participating in WLC’s literacy and workforce programs, Talib was the first to respond, initially by email and then with a phone call. That was Talib: responsive, engaged, and ready to turn a conversation into action.

He referred participants to our five-week Learning Skills for Life professional bartending program because he recognized that it offered more than occupational training. The program also develops financial literacy, workplace communication, professionalism, career readiness, and connections to employment.

On September 30, Talib joined us for a Learning Skills for Life graduation celebrating participants who had completed the program. I was grateful for the opportunity to introduce him to our staff and graduates. We talked about placing more returning citizens in WLC programs and continuing our work together. That conversation now carries even greater meaning.

Some may describe reentry as receiving a second chance. Talib understood that education and workforce preparation can create opportunity, dignity, stability, and belonging.

Talib understood that changing lives requires more than opening a door. It requires building bridges to education, employment, community, and lasting opportunity. That was the work we were committed to advancing together.

On behalf of the Washington Literacy Center, I extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Talib’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many people whose lives were strengthened by his service.

Talib’s presence and partnership will be deeply missed. His commitment to opening doors for others will not be forgotten.

Jimmie Williams
President and CEO
Washington Literacy Center

*photo taken at the Washington Literacy Center Learning Skills for Life graduation Photo: (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

A certificate is more than a piece of paper. It can be a new beginning. 🎓✨This is what happens when opportunity meets de...
09/28/2026

A certificate is more than a piece of paper. It can be a new beginning. 🎓✨
This is what happens when opportunity meets determination.
This Wednesday, the Washington Literacy Center will celebrate graduates of our Learning Skills for Life program — students who have invested in themselves, built new skills, and taken meaningful steps toward greater opportunities in work and life.
And we’re not just celebrating graduation.
We’re celebrating adult literacy, workforce development, career readiness, confidence, and community leadership.
Because learning doesn’t have an expiration date.

A special THANK YOU to Events DC for sponsoring this graduation ceremony and helping us celebrate this important milestone.
And thank you to our incredible program partners, Diageo and Professional Bartending School DC, for investing in education, career pathways, and opportunity.

Whether your goal is to strengthen your reading and writing skills, improve workplace communication, build career skills, or prepare for your next opportunity, small steps can create big changes.
💡 Your next step:�1️⃣ Identify one skill you want to improve.�2️⃣ Find a program that supports your goal.�3️⃣ Take the first step — even if it feels small.

👇 Comment “GET LIT” and we’ll send you more information.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson MandelaAt the Washington Literac...
09/25/2026

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

At the Washington Literacy Center, we see that power in action every day.
For an adult learner, learning to read with confidence, strengthen math skills, navigate the digital world, or prepare for the workforce can open doors to opportunity, independence, and a brighter future.

Since 1963, WLC has helped adults in Washington, DC build the foundational skills they need to succeed at work, at home, and in their communities. Because literacy isn’t just about reading words—it’s about having the tools and confidence to write your next chapter.

Education changes lives. Literacy creates opportunity. And together, we can help change the world—one learner at a time.

📚 Support adult literacy. Give. Share the mission.
Learn more at Washington Literacy Center

From applying for jobs and accessing healthcare portals to communicating, learning, and navigating everyday life, artifi...
09/23/2026

From applying for jobs and accessing healthcare portals to communicating, learning, and navigating everyday life, artificial intelligence is becoming part of our daily experience. Digital literacy isn’t just about knowing how to use technology. It’s about knowing how to use it safely, confidently, and effectively.

With the right support, AI and other digital tools can become powerful learning resources—helping adults strengthen literacy skills, build confidence, access information, and open doors to new opportunities.

At the Washington Literacy Center, we believe everyone deserves the skills and support needed to participate fully in an increasingly digital world.

Learning doesn’t stop when technology changes. We learn, adapt, and grow with it. 🌱📱💻🖥️

🎓 YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS WITH A “YES.”A new skill can open a new door.�A stronger reading skill can build confidence.�...
09/21/2026

🎓 YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS WITH A “YES.”
A new skill can open a new door.�A stronger reading skill can build confidence.�Workforce-ready skills can create new opportunities.

Next week, we’re celebrating adults who chose to invest in themselves through the Learning Skills for Life program at the Washington Literacy Center. 💙🧡
Their graduation represents more than a certificate.�It represents persistence. Growth. Possibility. And if you’ve been thinking, “Maybe it’s time for me to strengthen my skills…” — this is your sign.

✨ 3 steps to get started:
1️⃣ Identify the skill you want to improve.
2️⃣ Find an adult education program that supports your goals.
3️⃣ Take the first step toward your next opportunity.

Whether your goal is adult literacy, reading and writing skills, GED preparation, digital literacy, career readiness, or workforce development, learning can help you move forward.

Graduation and Community Leadership Awards:
📅 September 30, 2026
⏰ 2:00–5:00 PM
📍 R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center
2730 Martin Luther King Drive, SE
Washington, DC 20032
🎉 Reception to follow.
Ready to learn more about classes and registration?
👇 Comment “GET LIT” and we’ll send you more information.

09/18/2026

Being digitally literate means more than just using technology—it’s about using it wisely. We empower adult learners with the skills to think critically and navigate the digital world responsibly!

From September 15 to October 15, we observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the heritage, history,...
09/16/2026

From September 15 to October 15, we observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the heritage, history, traditions, and cultural diversity of Hispanic Americans whose heritage is rooted in Spain and 19 countries and territories: Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Tomorrow, our President and CEO, Jimmie Williams, will participate in an important conversation on preparing our communi...
09/16/2026

Tomorrow, our President and CEO, Jimmie Williams, will participate in an important conversation on preparing our communities for the AI economy during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.

Broadband access, digital skills, and AI literacy are critical to making sure our communities are not left behind as technology continues to reshape our economy.

The National Action Network Senior Vice President Ebonie Riley will moderate. The panel will also include Rep. Troy A Carter, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, and Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley.

Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 142B
September 17 | 2–3 PM ET

Adult education is more than education. It’s an investment in people, families, and communities.This week, the Washingto...
09/14/2026

Adult education is more than education. It’s an investment in people, families, and communities.

This week, the Washington Literacy Center proudly joins organizations nationwide in recognizing National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.

Adult education helps individuals strengthen foundational literacy skills, earn credentials, prepare for careers, and build greater opportunities for themselves and their families.

This week is also an opportunity to recognize the determination of adult learners and the educators and programs working every day to expand access to lifelong learning.

At the Washington Literacy Center, we believe learning can open doors at every stage of life.

On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the western side of the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m. EDT, killi...
09/11/2026

On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the western side of the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m. EDT, killing all 64 people on board and 125 people inside the building.

Today, 25 years later, we remember those we lost, honor those who responded, and reflect on one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. Never forget.

Address

1133 15th Street, NW
Washington D.C., DC
20009

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+12029840000

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