Chicago's Literacy Coalitions Kick Off FY27
Chicago's adult literacy community came together to reconnect, share resources, and strengthen partnerships that support adult learners across the city.
Bringing people and organizations together has always been at the heart of scaleLIT's work. Our roots are in coalition building by creating spaces where adult education providers can connect, learn from one another, and work together to expand opportunities for the communities they serve.
On October 22, we continued that tradition by welcoming 16 participants representing 10 organizations for our first joint gathering of FY2027, bringing together members of three Chicago literacy coalitions: the Consejo Hispano de Alfabetización (CHA), Northside Literacy Coalition (NSLC), and Southwestside Literacy Coalition (SWLC).
Under the theme Same Mission. Stronger Together, adult literacy educators, program leaders, and community partners spent the afternoon reconnecting, sharing ideas, and exploring opportunities to strengthen their collective work.
Building Connections Across Chicago's Literacy Community
The gathering began with time to reflect on each coalition's history and purpose and the important role these networks play in supporting adult literacy across Chicago.
Through interactive conversations and small-group activities, participants learned more about one another's programs, shared organizational strengths, and discussed the challenges and opportunities they see in their communities.
These exchanges are an important part of what makes coalition work valuable. Every organization brings its own expertise, relationships, and understanding of the learners it serves. By bringing those perspectives together, we can strengthen the connections between programs and help adult learners access a broader network of educational resources and opportunities.
Sharing Resources, Strengthening Pathways
One highlight of the afternoon was hearing directly from participating organizations about the resources, services, and educational pathways available to adult learners.
Chicago Public Library shared a range of learning resources, including DigitalLearn, LinkedIn Learning, Cell-Ed, and book collections available for adult literacy programs. These tools offer opportunities for learners to strengthen digital skills, explore professional development, and access additional educational support.
Representatives from City Colleges of Chicago's Malcolm X College highlighted adult education opportunities that help learners strengthen foundational skills and transition into Bridge Programs and college coursework.
Community-based organizations also shared the many ways they support adult learners:
Pui Tak Center highlighted workforce preparation, career pathways, and Bridge Programs in fields such as culinary arts and nail technology.
Centro Romero and The Learning Center shared information about their English and Spanish GED programs and other literacy opportunities.
PODER introduced digital learning resources available through its Digital Learning Lab.
Chinese Mutual Aid Association highlighted English language instruction, healthcare literacy, workforce skills, and career advancement services.
The gathering also included representatives from Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago, Literacy Volunteers of Illinois, and City Colleges of Chicago's Wilbur Wright College, reflecting the range of organizations contributing to Chicago's adult education community.
Together, these examples illustrated the breadth of opportunities available across Chicago's adult education community and the value of ensuring organizations know one another's work.
By sharing information and building relationships, coalition members can connect learners with additional resources, educational pathways, and services that support their long-term goals.
Shaping a Collaborative Year Ahead
The kickoff was also an opportunity to look ahead and discuss how the coalitions can continue supporting one another throughout FY27.
In September, scaleLIT gathered feedback through a Member Engagement Survey to better understand what participating organizations want from coalition meetings and professional learning opportunities.
The feedback emphasized the importance of practical resource sharing, meaningful discussion, and opportunities to learn from peers. It also helped inform meeting formats, scheduling, and future engagement opportunities.
Building on that input, scaleLIT plans to continue individual coalition meetings while creating opportunities for cross-coalition collaboration, hybrid participation, and gatherings hosted at partner organizations.
Future meetings will give members opportunities to showcase their programs, exchange resources, discuss shared challenges, and explore ways to work together.
Our goal is to make these gatherings more than opportunities to receive updates. We want them to be spaces where relationships grow, ideas are exchanged, and organizations leave with connections and resources they can bring back to their learners.
Same Mission. Stronger Together.
Chicago's adult literacy organizations do remarkable work every day, helping adults build skills, continue their education, prepare for employment, and pursue new opportunities.
At scaleLIT, we're proud to connect the organizations and people who make that work possible.
Our FY27 kickoff reminded us that collaboration begins with conversation, and that even a simple introduction, shared resource, or new connection can open the door to meaningful opportunities.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to an engaging afternoon. We look forward to building on these conversations and strengthening our literacy community throughout the year.
Stay Connected in FY2027
The conversation doesn't end here! Throughout FY27, scaleLIT will host literacy coalition meetings and professional development learning circles designed to bring adult educators and community partners together to share resources, exchange ideas, and strengthen their work.
Explore our upcoming schedule below and join us for opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate.
Want to get more involved? Become a scaleLIT member! Membership connects your organization to a network of adult education and workforce development partners, along with professional learning opportunities, advocacy, and valuable tools and resources.
Learn more and sign up at scalelit.org/members.
We extend a special thank you to the Illinois Secretary of State's Adult Volunteer Literacy Program for supporting this important coalition work.
