Teresa sat across from a hiring manager, answering interview questions in English. Although she had been studying English with her literacy tutor, they hadn’t reached the lesson on job interviews yet. But Teresa (a pseudonym, used to protect her privacy) applied for the caregiving role on her own. She got the job, and has since scored 100% on the English training exams.
Since 1967, the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County’s Adult Literacy program has paired adult learners like Teresa with volunteer tutors, teaching English one lesson, one conversation, one milestone at a time. The mission hasn’t changed in nearly six decades: language should be a bridge to belonging, not a barrier.
That mission has rarely felt more urgent. Nearly one in four Santa Cruz County adults struggles with basic English literacy, cutting people off from everyday parts of life — getting help in an emergency, filling out a job application, or helping a child with homework. The Literacy Program closes that gap, connecting neighbors not just to English, but to opportunity, safety, and community.
That’s true for Leila, who called 911 the day she witnessed an emergency. Because of what she’d practiced with her tutor, she gave the address, explained the situation clearly, and got help on the way. It’s true for volunteer Pamela Rocco’s student, too, a 48-year-old mother of three who recently landed a better-paying job at a local grocery store, where her new employer has praised her work. “Me das oro,” she tells Pamela almost every time they meet. You give me gold.
This year, the program exceeded every performance goal set by the state, who determines funding priorities for literacy programs state-wide. Yet, overall program funding was cut state-wide, leaving the Santa Cruz County program facing a $15,000 shortfall that threatens the student materials, tutor training, and the one part-time coordinator who keep it all running.
Volunteer tutors do more than teach English. They help neighbors navigate daily life — riding the bus, applying for jobs, opening a bank account, talking with a doctor, or asking for a translator at school. These skills strengthen the community for everyone, regardless of their primary language.
How You Can Help
Volunteer as a Literacy Tutor
Join us for a free Literacy Tutor Orientation on Sept. 16 or Sept. 24. No teaching experience required! Learn more & sign up
Donate to Support Tutors and Learners
It costs $1,500 to fully train and equip a new volunteer tutor. A gift of $65 provides the first set of training materials for a tutor–student pair to get started.. Every dollar helps keep the program staffed and strong. Give Here
Spread the Word
Know someone who might be a great tutor? Share this article and invite them to get involved!
Together, we can keep literacy alive in Santa Cruz County — and ensure every neighbor has the chance to belong.
For more information or to sign up, visit scvolunteernow.org/literacy.
About the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County
We connect people for good because meaningful service is the heart of a strong, vibrant community. Through programs like Adult Literacy, we match 18,000 volunteers with causes they care about, strengthening 300+ nonprofits while running 19 programs covering mental health, justice, seniors, and families. Our vision is a community where everyone’s gifts matter, kindness is celebrated, and together we build a stronger, healthier, more connected Santa Cruz County. Join us at scvolunteercenter.org.
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