First Literacy provides scholarships to adult learners and free workshops and grants to educators across Massachusetts.
Adults with low-literacy or limited English proficiency and the teachers who support them are often overlooked by traditional education systems. At First Literacy, we see you. Literacy includes health literacy and financial literacy, and it has the power to change lives, strengthen families, and shape communities for generations to come. Through our innovation grants, free professional development workshops, and student scholarships, First Literacy reaches approximately 7000 adult learners and 200 educators in 100 programs across Massachusetts every year.
First Literacy awards scholarships to adult learners as part of its mission to improve the lives of adults with low-literacy or limited English proficiency and positively impact communities. Nearly 700 scholarships awarded throughout Massachusetts.
Learn moreFirst Literacy offers free Professional Development Workshops, grants, and shared resources for Adult Basic Education and ESOL teachers, administrators and counselors.
Learn moreFirst Literacy supports adult learners and Adult Basic Education teachers through scholarships, free professional development workshops, and program grants.
Learn more“I now know that there is no age or time limit for beginning my new life. First Literacy has shown me what direction to take to achieve my goal. I have learned that no matter how difficult my situation, I should never give up.”
First Literacy Scholar
“I always come away reinvigorated by the presenters and the attendees at the First Literacy Workshops. I am not paid for attending PD and am not reimbursed for attending MCAE so I especially appreciate your wonderful workshops. They keep me going! Thank you!”
Workshop attendee
“Funding from First Literacy, that is unrestricted in terms of eligibility (immigration status, welfare status, referral systems, residence or employability), allows us to create and maintain our specialized morning class for non- or low-literacy learners. Simply, First Literacy funding ensures literacy instruction for the highest-need students.”
First Literacy Grant Recipient
First Literacy is pleased to announce that Corey Groves, previously First Literacy’s Vice President of the Board, has been appointed as the new Board Chair. Effective September 1, Groves succeeds Jim Nolan, who recently stepped down after serving as Chairman for the past four years.
Read moreWhen you donate to First Literacy you help create life-changing educational opportunities for adults throughout Massachusetts with low-literacy or limited English proficiency. Your donation also helps support the front line in adult basic education, ensuring that adult learners receive the high-quality education they need to reach their full potential.
DonateWe’re excited to share that our organization has earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency with Candid.
First Literacy will use the information you provide to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.