York Literacy Institute

Teaching literacy skills in English to empower adults for successful engagement in the home, workplace, and community

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Providing Adult Literacy Classes Since 1976

Individuals served

Countries represented

Annual Students in classes

Our Mission Has Expanded

Today, York Literacy Institute provides in-person and HyFlex classes, one-to-one tutoring, presentation & workshops, and a digital language lab within our Adult Reading, English as a Second Language (ESL) & Next Step Programs. In each program, the adult student is given standardized assessments, an educational plan, instructional placement, referrals to other human service agencies, and educational institutions, and consultation on literacy topics. In addition to onsite access to our YLI Library, students are offered special classes in computer basics instruction and presentations on health literacy, workplace literacy, and financial literacy topics.

York Literacy Institute’s Programs

Students in a classroom in the Adult Reading Program

Adult Reading Program

Assisting English-speaking adults (18 years or older) to improve reading, writing, spelling, math, computer, & study skills

English as a Second Language

Focuses on improving conversation skills which includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills

Next Step Programs

Offers YLI students and former students support services for workplace and career readiness

How to Get Involved

Become a Tutor

Volunteer Tutoring at YLI is a rewarding experience as you help YLI’s mission get accomplished

Join a Committee

Each committee works diligently to guide YLI and our programs into the future. If you have skills, experience, or education in any of these areas, we welcome your assistance

Donate

There are many ways in which you can donate and help support our mission at the York Literacy Institute

News & Events

Heroes and Villains: The Fairy Tales

Step into a world where fairy tales come alive at our spectacular fall event, "Heroes and Villains: The Fairy Tales," presented by WellSpan Health. Join us on Saturday, October 19, at MarketView Arts in downtown York from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for a night of enchantment and...

Buck A Book® Reading Program Celebrates A Successful Year

The Buck A Book® Reading Program celebrated another successful year at the York Revolution game on Saturday, June 22. More than 100 students and their families took to the field, along with sponsors and mascots of the program. In January, over 1,400 students read...

2024 York Literacy Institute Literacy Empowerment Campaign

2024 YLI Literacy Empowerment Campaign: Changing Lives, One Word at a Time At the York Literacy Institute, we believe that literacy is not just about reading and writing; it's about empowerment, opportunity, and transformation. Every day, millions of adults around the...

Our History & Mission

How We Got Started

The mission began when a few community volunteers witnessed the need for adult literacy instruction in the York community. They attended workshops presented to learn the Laubach Method of teaching literacy skills and the groundwork was set.

The Journey Began

Incorporated in 1980, the mission continued as the number of learners and tutors grew. Volunteers met one-to-one with both English speaking illiterate or functionally illiterate adults and foreign-born individuals seeking to speak, read, and understand English.

The Future of Literacy in York County

Today, York Literacy Institute provides in-person and HyFlex classes, one-to-one tutoring, presentation & workshops, and a digital language lab within our Adult Reading, English as a Second Language (ESL) & Next Step Programs. In each program, the adult student is given standardized assessments, an educational plan, instructional placement, referrals to other human service agencies, and educational institutions, and consultation on literacy topics. In addition to onsite access to our YLI Library, students are offered special classes in computer basics instruction and presentations on health literacy, workplace literacy, and financial literacy topics.