Project Second Chance (PSC), the Contra Costa County Library Adult Literacy Program, offers free, confidential, one-on-one basic literacy instruction to people who are over 16 years of age and out of school. Tutoring is done by trained volunteers who meet with their students twice a week, providing customized, personal lessons. Since it began in 1984, the program has helped more than 4,000 adults improve their reading, writing and spelling skills. View this one-minute video to learn how this instruction has helped three Project Second Chance students.
In addition to working one-on-one, tutors and students can participate in small group classes, practice their skills in the computer lab, and attend Families For Literacy (FFL) events with their pre-school children. Tutoring is available in communities served by the Contra Costa County Library, with special materials collections and computer learning labs at our Pleasant Hill and Antioch PSC offices.
Tutor Training | Links | Make a Donation to PSC |
Comcast interview about Project Second Chance
The 2008 Martini Tasting | Adult Literacy Programs & Events
About Our Students
Students must be over age 16 and out of school. Most students are between 35 and 55 years of age and come from a wide range of economic backgrounds. About 50% have a high school diploma. Many can read and write, but not well enough to achieve the level of success they would like in their lives. An estimated 40% have dyslexia or another learning disability. For about 45%, English is not their native language. They must, however, speak English well enough to communicate with our tutors. View the video (.wmv) on Kristi Clontz, one of the students from Project Second Chance, and learn how the program significantly and positively impacted her life.
If you know adults who need help with reading, writing, or spelling, please encourage them to call the PSC office in Pleasant Hill at 927-3250, our Antioch office at 754-8317, or, in the 510 area code, call (510)527-7558.
Tutor Qualifications & Commitment
PSC tutors are 21 years of age or older. No degrees or diplomas are necessary and there are no tests required for tutors. Good tutors are empathetic, patient, able to give clear directions, and willing to learn new skills themselves.
We ask volunteers to:
- Make at least a one-year commitment to the program.
- Meet with their student at a public location, twice a week, for a 1 ½ hour tutoring session.
- Dedicate time for preparing lessons and for traveling to and from the tutoring site.
Training is offered 3 times a year, with each series consisting of one weekday evening, and the following two Saturdays. The full 14-hour training is required to be eligible for an assignment. All tutor training sessions are held at the PSC office in Pleasant Hill. All tutoring materials are provided free of charge to program participants. Although it is not required, a voluntary donation of $15 is requested to offset the costs of training supplies and refreshments. Before registering for tutoring, please read the prospective tutor letter. 
PSC's Next Tutor Training:
All three sessions are required -
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For more information or to register, call (925) 927-3250 or write to us at: psc@ccclib.org |
Project Second Chance
75 Santa Barbara Road (Street address)
1750 Oak Park Boulevard (Mailing address)
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(925) 927-3250
FAX: (925) 646-6461
psc@ccclib.org