Project Second Chance, the Library’s Adult Literacy Program

Project Second Chance

The Library's Adult Literacy Program

Adults who read or write in English at or below a 6th grade level get basic literacy instruction with volunteer tutors that Project Second Chance (PSC) trains and supports.

Call (925) 691-3960 or email psc@library.cccounty.us to become a learner or to volunteer as a tutor.

Tutoring is:

  • free and confidential
  • one-on-one
  • 2x/week for 90 minutes
  • by trained volunteers
  • according to personal schedules
  • virtual or in-person at a public place, usually the local library

If you know an adult who needs help with basic reading, writing, or spelling, please encourage them to call PSC or their local library.

Facebook
Instagram @psccontracosta

Locations and Hours

Concord
(Non-Library Location)

2151 Salvio St., Ste. 299

(925) 691-3960

Virtual evening appointments available.

Mon. - Fri. | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Antioch
501 W. 18th St.
(925) 754-8317

PSC staff available by appointment Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Brentwood
104 Oak St.
(925) 516-5285

PSC staff available by appointment Tuesdays and Fridays.

Hercules
109 Civic Dr.
(510) 307-9937

PSC staff available by appointment Tuesday-Thursday.

Pleasant Hill
2 Monticello Ave
(925) 349-0883

PSC staff available by appointment Mondays.

San Pablo
13751 San Pablo Ave.
(510) 307-9937

PSC staff available by appointment Monday-Thursday.

Who are PSC Learners?

PSC learners:

  • read, write, or spell in English at or below a 6th grade level
  • speak English well enough to speak on the phone and in person
  • want to learn to read, write, and spell better
  • are 16 years of age or older and not in high school

Kristi (3-minute video)
Shawn, Paula and Cricket (1-minute video)
Six PSC learners(audio)
Gladys (essay)
Gladys
(KGO radio interview) 
Oscar and Lora (StoryCorps conversation)
In Our Words, Volume 6 (learner writings)
In Our Words, Volume 7 (learner writings)
In Our Words, Volume 8 (learner learner)
In Our Words, Volume 9 (learner writings)
In Our Words, Volume 10 (learner writings)

About one third of PSC learners were educated in the United States but did not learn to read and write at the level they wish, often due to a learning disability such as dyslexia. Others are English Language Learners who can speak English but wish to improve their basic literacy skills in English.

Adults join PSC to learn skills needed for a variety of personal goals, such as to vote, read bills, share a book with a child, apply for a job, read medicine labels, and to succeed in other everyday tasks that help them, their families, and their communities.

Who are PSC Tutors?

PSC tutors:

  • are comfortable with their own reading, writing, and spelling skills
  • complete required orientation and training
  • meet with a learner for 90-minute lessons twice a week
  • commit to tutoring a learner for at least six months
  • are 21 years of age or older

Teaching experience is not necessary. Good tutors are empathetic, patient, able to give clear directions, flexible, and open to learn new skills themselves.

Become a Tutor

The first step in becoming a PSC tutor is to complete a 30-minute virtual orientation to help you decide if becoming a volunteer tutor with PSC is the right fit for you. Once you’ve completed the orientation, PSC staff will contact you about registering for a tutor training class, offered 3 times per year.

To access the orientation, please click here: PSC Prospective Tutor Orientation Form. For assistance, email psc@library.cccounty.us or call (925) 691-3960.

For more information about the PSC tutor role, see the PSC Volunteer Tutor Role Description.

Families for Literacy

PSC’s Families for Literacy (FFL) program is for PSC learners who have children or grandchildren from birth through school age.

Program Goals:

  • Introduce families to the joy and value of reading
  • Acquaint families with high quality children’s literature
  • Establish home libraries with our birthday book give-a-way
  • Give parents the skills to prepare their children for reading
  • Build self-esteem
  • Create library users

What is PSC, Inc.?

PSC, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit fundraising and advocacy board whose mission is to develop financial resources and promote public awareness to support the free adult reading program of Project Second Chance. The revenue raised by PSC, Inc. supports the operations of Project Second Chance. The members of PSC, Inc. serve as advocates for Project Second Chance and adult literacy in the Contra Costa County community.

Support PSC, Inc.

Donate Your Money

  • Mail a check to PSC, Inc., 2151 Salvio St., Ste. 299, Concord, CA 94520
  • Use your credit card at the PSC, Inc. website at PSC Fundraising.
  • PSC, Inc. also accepts donations through employer matching programs and charitable giving campaigns.

Project Second Chance, Inc. Board Members

Thank you to PSC, Inc.’s dedicated board members, who volunteer to raise funds and to advocate in support of PSC. Board members include: Elizabeth Bognar (Secretary); Lisa Cline; Ann Marie Foley; Roy Immekus (President); Michael Marable; Susan Schneider; and Rob Venema (Treasurer).

 

SUPPORT PROJECT SECOND CHANCE

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