CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Data shows many U.S. adults are struggling with reading and writing skills. 

Although nearly 79% are literate, more than half read below a sixth-grade level, according to the National Literacy Institute.

What You Need To Know

  • Many U.S adults are struggling with literacy skills
  • A community college in North Carolina is empowering residents to read and write
  • One woman says the sessions helped her read and speak confidently 

A North Carolina community college is empowering residents’ literacy skills. 

South Piedmont Community College’s Literacy Services program launched in 2022, to help improve reading, communication and writing skills for adults in Anson and Union counties.

Students meet with a tutor one-on-one to better support their learning pace. 

Rosa Walls, 75, is studying in the college’s literacy program.

Before coming to the sessions, Walls said she faced major difficulties with reading and public speaking.

“Working in college with the younger students, I couldn't keep up,” Walls said. “I figured I needed one on one [attention]. Now, I can read. I don't mind reading in front of people.”

Staff said the college has served almost 60 people trying to strengthen their literacy abilities.

Jessica Perry is one of several SPCC tutors helping to enrich these students' lives. 

She said literacy affects people in ways others may not consider.

“I learned how extremely isolating it is to not know how to read," Perry said. “That is an embarrassing thing to admit, especially as an adult.”

Perry said she’s proud to be among a team helping to overcome literacy challenges.

“With this program, you’re not just affecting one person, you’re affecting other people around them. It is a ripple effect,” she said. “I’m humbled, so grateful to be part of this program.” 

Literacy services director RJ Lightsey said many Union and Anson residents need the program.

“We have 35% of the population in Union and Anson County reading at or below a sixth-grade level,” Lightsey said. “That's one out of three residents. There's a need. Comprehension, fluency, memorization, writing, speaking, all of that is involved in reading, so we encompass all of that here.”

Walls said the literacy skills she's gained "will follow me the rest of my life. I love it."

SPCC’s adult literacy services are free to Union and Anson County residents.

Staff said they are also recruiting tutors for the program.

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