Local nonprofit launches statewide literacy leader think tank

Turning Pages SC, a nonprofit that teaches adults to read better, has launched Literacy SC. This groundbreaking casual coalition unites decision-makers from various literacy programs across South Carolina. It’s key goal is to provide a free, simple peer support network for leaders of agencies that often operate outside traditional K-12 or higher education literacy frameworks.

Literacy SC is specifically tailored for program managers, department directors, senior executives, and board members who steer literacy services such as Adult Basic Education, ESOL, GED-Prep, Math, Digital and other offerings.

In addition to Lisa Cole, Executive Director of Turning Pages SC, other founding members include Victoria Novak, Executive Director of Greenville Literacy Association and Liz Hartnett, program coordinator at SC Center for Community Literacy in downtown Columbia.

This think tank hosts quarterly virtual chats, encouraging the exchange of innovative strategies, resources, problem solving and peer support. This approach is intended to enhance ground-floor literacy efforts statewide. This group will especially benefit smaller agencies who lack access to larger educational networks and may feel siloed in their daily work.

Key Features of Literacy SC:

• Peer Support: A platform for leaders to share challenges, solutions, and successes.
• Resource Sharing: Access to a wider range of literacy resources, ideas and best practices.
• Collaborative Efforts: Opportunities to collaborate on projects that can increase literacy rates for targeted populations across the state.

The launch of Literacy SC underscores Turning Pages SC’s ongoing commitment to not only improving literacy in central South Carolina but opening new doors of opportunity for all South Carolinians. All literacy leaders who are passionate about changing lives for the better may sign up for their quarterly chats.

For more information on Literacy SC or to join this innovative coalition, visit LiteracySC.org.

About

Founded in 1968, Turning Pages SC has trained over 1,700 tutors and helped over 6,000 adults read better. Any adult who reads below a 9th grade level can receive over 50 hours of free, one-on-one tutoring annually plus books. Through personalized, one-on-one tutoring and initiatives like Literacy SC, adults gain the skills needed for personal and professional success.