Laubach Literacy Launches National Program Accreditation Service

ProLiteracy Worldwide
Wednesday, 20 December 2000

SYRACUSE, NY, December 20, 2000- On January 1, 2001 Laubach Literacy, the world's largest and oldest nonprofit literacy organization, will launch its National Program Accreditation Service for volunteer literacy organizations in the United States. "Laubach accreditation recognizes volunteer-based literacy organizations that are distinguished by superior professional leadership, effective programs, committed governing boards, and outstanding volunteer support," says Peter A. Waite, Ed.D, Executive Director of Laubach Literacy Action, Laubach's U.S. Program Division.

Accreditation is a rigorous process requiring literacy programs to meet or exceed the Laubach Literacy National Quality Standards for Volunteer Literacy Programs established in 1996. "Programs must document their effectiveness in four areas: governance, program management, program operations and volunteer development" says Dr. Waite. "Laubach Literacy Action, the U.S. Division of Laubach Literacy, supports literacy organizations throughout the accreditation process with any technical assistance they may require." Three programs from Pennsylvania are the first to receive Laubach accreditation: the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, the Bradford-Wyoming County Literacy Council (Troy), and the Scranton Council for Literacy Advance. "We are pleased to award accreditation to these three Pennsylvania literacy councils," says Dr. Waite, "Laubach Literacy Accreditation will also help these organizations as they seek grant dollars from government agencies and private funders."

Laubach Literacy is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to helping adults acquire the listening, speaking, reading, writing, mathematics, technical and problem-solving skills they need to improve their lives. Adults who want free, confidential tutoring services or who want to volunteer should call Laubach's toll-free number (888) 528-2224.

Founded in 1955 by literacy pioneer Dr. Frank C. Laubach, the organization has 1,100 member programs throughout the United States and 67 partner programs in 36 developing countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Its U.S. publishing division, New Readers' Press, produces and distributes 500 titles of adult educational materials to 46,000 literacy organizations, schools, libraries and other institutions across the country.

For more information, or to contact ProLiteracy Worldwide, see their website at: www.proliteracy.org