Our History
Wisconsin Literacy was founded in 1985 as a network of adult, family and workplace literacy providers to support each other through information sharing, training and referrals.
In 1987, Wisconsin Literacy incorporated in the state of Wisconsin, originally as an affiliation of Laubach Literacy providers.
In 1992, the organization changed to allow all community-based adult, family and workplace literacy providers to join.
In 1994, Wisconsin Literacy, Inc. was officially registered as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Its board of directors was composed of the executive directors or program coordinators of its member organizations.
From 1985 to 2002, without any paid staff, Wisconsin Literacy successfully convened an annual conference for 60-100 participants to share instructional and program management strategies; hosted an annual celebration of adult literacy students and the programs that serve them, often at the Governor's Residence; published a newsletter to share information and post announcements; and provided mentoring and training to new adult literacy programs.
In January 2003, with its membership having grown to 36 adult, family and workplace literacy providers statewide, Wisconsin Literacy hired its first executive director with a $50,000 grant from Verizon.
TopSuccess Stories
In 2004, after eight years as a federally-funded program and with its funding not renewed......Read Racine Family Literacy's Story
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