From left: Tutor Brenda Smith and student Vesi Koleva collaborate during a session of the Read to Learn program, now celebrating its 40th year. The program, which helps improve English reading and writing skills, is offered at 12 locations across the northwest suburbs, including the Mount Prospect Public Library.
By Casey Stannis
Published April 21, 2025
In January 1985, eight students eager to improve their English skills and eight tutors ready to teach created a program that changed lives. This program is Read to Learn. Their mission: to increase the literacy level of adults in the northwest suburbs to become more confident and active members of the community. Over the past 40 years, Read to Learn has supported more than 13,300 students from 27 countries, with the dedication of 6,300 tutors. Today, the District 214 community celebrates the program’s remarkable legacy and the thousands of lives it continues to touch.
Read to Learn is a free community program for adults that meets once a week to focus on basic reading and writing skills. It provides reading materials, lesson plans and one-on-one tutoring at libraries, schools and other community centers across 12 locations in the northwest suburbs. Students use texts that explore cultural, historical and current events to build both language skills and real-world knowledge. The program runs in two three-month semesters each year, allowing tutors and students time to build meaningful relationships.
Tutor Brenda Smith and student Vesi Koleva have been partners for over two years.
“I have a deep respect for the amount of courage it takes to move to a country where you don’t know the language and try to make a new life,” said Smith. “If you really want to make a difference, this is a good way to do it. You don’t need any special skills and you'd be surprised about how rewarding it is.”
Her partner Koleva says Read to Learn has given her confidence in everyday scenarios, “After these two years, I understand more and more. I can now make a doctor's appointment. I read books in English.”
The Read to Learn program would not be possible without the help of longtime volunteers like John Nolan, who has been a tutor since 2019. Over the years, he has worked with five students from different countries. “I’ve always been in the type of work where I work for people,” said Nolan. “I’ve been retired and always wanted to give back and to help people improve themselves. I like to do things for people to help them be better than they are right now,” he said.
His student, Justyna Gruszka, shared, “I can speak with other people in English without being afraid now. I think this program is great for both sides. For students, this is a great learning experience and for tutors because they like to meet new people.” Nolan reflected, “I like to see you do better and better each day and accomplish more than when you started.”
Tutor John Nolan and his student, Justyna Gruszka, work together during a session of the Read to Learn program.
Celebrating 40 years of success, the Read to Learn program continues to make a lasting impact and is expanding its network of tutors and students.
“It's amazing to see the difference we're making in people's lives,” said Jo Ann Fletcher, the Read to Learn Program Coordinator. “I'm so proud of all the students and tutors who have come through the program. We're going to keep doing what we do best, which is helping students with English reading and writing skills. I hope that we can continue to be a vital part of the community.”
If you'd like to participate in this life-changing program and help others succeed, contact 847-718-7224 or visit www.ce.d214.org/readtolearn.
