Our Programs

The Literacy Council of Buncombe County works with adults in two main programs. We also partner with other organizations to provide comprehensive adult literacy services in Buncombe County.

Our AE Program

Our Adult Education students are a diverse group. Some have dropped out of school and need to better their skills before they can enroll in the GED program at AB Technical College; others are already in the GED class, but need the help of the one-to-one tutor. Others have a high school diploma, but never learned how to read. Some are displaced workers having a hard time finding another job; others would like to help their children in school. Many have learning difficulties that were not acknowledged in school and have finally gotten the courage to give reading another chance.

Each student is taught basic reading and writing, and/or math skills on a one-to-one basis by a trained volunteer using curriculum materials most suited to their literacy level, learning styles, and goals.

Learn more about our AE program

Our ESOL Program

Approximately 80% of Literacy Council students are in the ESOL program. We are currently serving people from 21 countries around the world, but most are from Latin America or Ukraine. Their most commonly stated goals in learning English are to improve their employment prospects and to help their children in school. Individually or in a small group (2-6 students), each student is taught oral English as well as reading and writing by a trained volunteer tutor using materials suited to the student’s English level and goals.

Learn more about our ESOL program

Our Major Community Partners

Our primary partner is AB Technical Community College. We work closely with the Continuing Education Department, both Basic Skills and ESOL, helping low level readers gain skills necessary to study for the GED, CNA, and curriculum degree and certificate programs.

We partner with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools to provide ESOL and Adult Education group instruction to parents in the community in locations such as the Emma Family Resource Center. We also provide classroom instruction in local housing complexes such as Ledgewood Village, all public libraries, churches, and other non profit organizations throughout the county.