FCI Raybrook Inmates to Train as In-House Tutors
Literacy Volunteers Board of Directors and FCI Raybrook Warden Stephen Langford today announced a new initiative to train qualified inmates to tutor other inmates. More than 70% of incarcerated people can’t read above a 4th grade level.
“I am so excited about this initiative,” said Executive Director Marie Despres. “National studies show that prison education programs reduce recidivism by over 40%! That means that fewer people are going back into jail after they get released, just because they are better educated. That’s huge!”
Warden Langford said, “I am very grateful to Literacy Volunteers and the work they are doing in our communities. They are making a real difference in people’s lives.”
Board Meeting with Warden Langford from FCI Raybrook
Literacy Volunteers recruits and trains volunteer tutors to work one-on-one with students. Each tutor attends an accredited training program that gives them the skills to effectively tutor adult students in both basic literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL). LV then matches trained tutors with adult students in need of training in either Basic Literacy, English-as-a-second-language, or help with obtaining a GED© qualification.
Once a student/tutor match is made, Literacy Volunteers provides ongoing resources, learning workspaces in Port Henry, Saranac Lake, Lake Placid and Malone, and tracks progress toward educational goals.
As a community based non-profit, Literacy Volunteers of Essex/Franklin Counties relies heavily on the kindness and financial support of community members who are willing to help make a positive difference in the lives of others.
