Washington Literacy Center

06/02/2026

Learning Skills for Life graduate Shane Johnson spoke to our latest cohort on their first day of the program yesterday. Shane is the Deputy Director of Financial Analytics, Health Policy & Valuation Strategy at TD&P Consulting. He enrolled in our LSFL program to realize his dream of being a mixologist and now works at private events around the city in his free time. Shane gave an inspiring message to the students to make their dreams happen and what to expect from the program.

05/18/2026

Our next Cohort dates have changed!
Ready to start your bartending career? 🍸
The Washington Literacy Center and our partners at Diageo North America and Professional Bartending School are offering a FREE 5-week bartender training program for aspiring bartenders with no prior experience.
📅 Begins June 1�🎯 Only 30 spots available — interviews happening now!
✅ 18+�✅ Available Mon–Fri, 9AM–2PM�✅ Ready to commit to a new career
💸 NO program fees.
✨ More than bartending — this is a career transformation.
🔗 Apply today: https://www.washlit.org/learningskillsforlife

04/17/2026

Learning truly can change lives—and we see it happen every day.

At Washington Literacy Center, adult learners are gaining the reading, writing, and workforce skills they need to reach their goals—whether that’s advancing a career, supporting their families, or simply building confidence.

Every success story starts with the courage to learn, and we’re honored to be part of that journey.

💡 Want to support or get involved? Visit washlit.org to learn more.

04/16/2026

We live and learn at the Washington Literacy Center. Helping DC adult learners “get lit” since 1963. Contact us today if you are ready to take the next step on your journey at washlit.org

04/15/2026

Literacy is more than reading—it’s a pathway to opportunity, stability, and stronger communities.

In this Afro-American Newspapers op-ed, WLC President and CEO Jimmie Williams and WLC Boardmember Adrian Jordan emphasize that thousands of adults in Washington, D.C. face barriers due to low literacy, impacting their ability to find jobs, support their families, and fully engage in society.

They argue that investing in adult literacy is not just an education issue—it’s an economic and community priority. When residents gain literacy skills, entire neighborhoods benefit through increased workforce participation, stronger civic engagement, and improved quality of life.

Bottom line: Strengthening literacy strengthens D.C.

What role do you think communities should play in supporting adult learners?

Jimmie Williams is CEO and president of the Washington Literacy Center and Adrian Jordan is a member of the board and works for Elevance Health. In this piece, they posit that improving adult literacy in Washington, D.C., is essential to strengthening public health, economic opportunity and civic pa...

04/02/2026

Adult literacy changes lives.

It’s more than learning to read—it’s also math literacy, digital literacy, health literacy, and workforce training. It’s about gaining confidence, finding new opportunities, and building a better future. When adults improve their literacy, they can pursue careers, support their families, and fully participate in their communities.

At the Washington Literacy Center, we believe adult literacy opens doors to brighter futures.

03/31/2026

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Mignon Clyburn—a leader whose impact spans public service and private advocacy.

As a former Federal Communications Commission Commissioner from 2009 to 2018, she worked tirelessly to promote digital inclusion, protect consumers, and ensure that all communities have access to essential communication services. Today, through her work with MLC Strategies, she continues to advocate for policies and initiatives that expand opportunity and equity.

Her dedication reminds us of the power of access—whether to information, technology, or education. The Washington Literacy Center carries that mission forward by helping adults build the literacy skills they need to transform their lives.

Join us in honoring her impact and the many women who continue to inspire change.

03/30/2026

This Women’s History Month, we are proud to recognize Cora Masters Barry—a lifelong educator, public servant, and champion for Washington, DC communities.

Her work spans youth development, education, public service, and advocacy—from supporting the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center DC Department of Parks and Recreation to advancing voting rights and public health equity.

We are especially proud to recognize her commitment to education and community empowerment, which reflects the mission of the Washington Literacy Center.

03/27/2026

This Women’s History Month, we are proud to recognize Marie C. Johns—a distinguished business leader, former U.S. Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator, and advocate for stronger communities.

Throughout her career, Ms. Johns has advanced economic opportunity, supported small businesses, and remained a champion for education and workforce development.

We are especially grateful for her support of adult literacy and the Washington Literacy Center.

03/05/2026

More than 119,000 adults in the District struggle with low literacy. That means tens of thousands of our neighbors are unable to complete their education, land, and keep good jobs, or fully participate in the city’s prosperity. It’s an invisible crisis that touches every corner of D.C., particularly communities east of the river. And it’s holding us back.

Boosting adult literacy isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s an economic necessity. A workforce that can read, write, and engage in ongoing training is the foundation of a strong local economy. It attracts employers, reduces reliance on public services, and breaks cycles of poverty and incarceration.