Strengthening Our Community Through

Literacy, Education,
& Advocacy

Interesting Stats

In Virginia, nearly 20% of adults have low literacy, placing the state’s literacy rate at 26th in the country.
Another way to say this is: 1 in every 5 Virginians are functionally illiterate, and cannot read this sentence. They lack the fundamental reading, writing, and comprehension skills needed to operate effectively in today’s society.
Nationally, the price tag of low literacy is 1.4 Trillion lost in GDP
This loss isn’t merely an economic statistic. It is the absence of human potential made manifest, a ghost economy of opportunities that have silently slipped away.

U.S. Adults Struggle With Basic Reading Tasks Needed For Daily Life.

0 Million

Of American Adults Read At The Lowest Literacy Level

0 %

Of U.S. Adults—About 130 Million—Read Below A Sixth-Grade Level.

0 %

Of Adults Can’t Understand Basic Written Text.

0 %

Respect

We hold our students and volunteers in high esteem for their unique qualities and abilities. We celebrate their contributions and achievements and regard each individual with dignity.

Knowledge

Our students become empowered as they gain new knowledge; therefore we strive to implement a learner-focused approach and to apply best practices in teaching.

Collaboration

Recognizing that no individual can end adult illiteracy alone, we create partnerships with those whose mission is in harmony with our own.

Diversity

We appreciate the array of experiences and beliefs that comprise our learning community. Our learning is enriched by each individual’s contribution.

Compassion

We meet our students where they are, embracing their efforts to achieve their goals.

Inclusivity Statement

Literacy Volunteers Winchester Area (LVWA) educational programs and services are designed to meet the varying needs of all students and will not discriminate against any individual for reasons of race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, political affiliation, disability, or veteran status.