The Adult Literacy Center has moved

The Adult Literacy Center has moved to Des Moines Area Community College.

• DMACC - Building One, Room 229.  
• Call 515-248-7517
• Email ahmurr@dmacc.edu or vlmerrifield@dmacc.edu.  

The Mission

The goal of the Adult Literacy Center (ALC) is to improve literacy, resulting in enhanced self-esteem, daily living, and life-long learning. Utilizing volunteers and new technologies, the ALC improves the quality of adults' lives by helping them learn to read, write and comprehend.

The Adult Literacy Center was established as part of the Drake University School of Education in 1976.  In 2018, the ALC was transitioned to Des Moines Area Community College.  The Center is staffed by volunteers from the greater Des Moines communities dedicated to literacy and community outreach.

 The Adult Learner

‌Persons served by the Literacy Center represent a cross-section of ethnicity and come mainly from lower income brackets. Reading skills range from pre-reading to approximately fourth grade.

• Each year, over 100 adults receive literacy services.
• Currently, 90 adult students are being tutored. Many others are on a waiting list.
• Students are eager to learn so they can improve their job, school, and home responsibilities.
• 70% of the adult students are employed. They hold jobs that require only basic reading skills.
• 15% are learning English as a second language. 
• On average, students remain in the program for 2 years. 
• Students are asked to pay a $50.00 materials fee. Scholarships are available.