Project Read Plus

"To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark." - Victor Hugo

Congratulations to Richland Community College Project Read Plus on receiving a $791 Community Wish List grant to provide for digital timers, markers and other supplies for program participants.

Thank you Julie Pangrac for your unwavering dedication to teaching literacy skills to adults in our community.

In-person tutoring at Project Read Plus is temporarily on hold. We look forward to welcoming tutors and students back in the future. Stay tuned for updates!

Research shows that inmates who are educated are 43 percent less likely to return to prison.

We partner with the Macon County Jail to help inmates improve their literacy skills before they reenter our community. In turn, these individuals are better equipped to succeed in future education and employment opportunities.

Over the past 3 1/2 months, Project Read Plus staff have been working hard from home on projects to improve the quality of our program.

As Richland Community College begins its reopening process, our staff will resume working in our office at the Decatur Public Library.

We are not open to tutors and students yet, but we hope to start tutoring again in August. Stay tuned for updates!

Our program is never the end goal for our students. We recently heard from a former student who is a recent graduate from Richland Community College.

She came to Project Read Plus with a strong work ethic and the desire to succeed. We had the right tools to help her increase her skills so she could reach her goal.

We are so proud of her success!

Former Project Read Plus students have accomplished big things this year, gaining certificates and/or degrees in the following areas:

Licensed Practical Nurse ✓
Registered Nurse ✓
Medical Assistant ✓
Dental Hygienist ✓
Associates Degree ✓
Bachelors Degree ✓

When these adults came to Project Read Plus, they wanted help to reach their goals. They worked hard and gained the skills they needed to move forward--and they succeeded. Congratulations!

We have heard from several students about how proud they are to be able to help their children with e-learning and schoolwork right now! They are navigating this new world with great success and we couldn't be more impressed.

Change an Adult. Change a Family. Change a Community.

We have the seen the hard work and dedication it takes to become a nurse from many of our current and former students. We are grateful for nurses today and every day as they help our community stay safe and healthy!

April has been designated as National Second Chance Month.

For the past year, Project Read Plus has collaborated with Crossing Healthcare in the RESTORE program to give inmates at the Macon County Jail a second chance. Project Read Plus tutors inmates to help them improve their reading and math skills, and Crossing gives participants the tools they need for substance abuse recovery.

Upon release, the men continue tutoring to qualify for job training and gain employment while they also receive support in programs at Crossing Recovery Center.

While our volunteer tutors and students are unable to meet right now, our gratitude for the work our tutors do is stronger than ever.

Thank you for believing in your students and helping them gain the skills they need to move forward.