Project Second Chance, the Library’s Adult Literacy Program

Project Second Chance student and tutor

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.

PSC services are free and confidential (private). We welcome learners and volunteers of any race, ethnicity, country of origin, immigration status, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

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

Tutoring is:

  • 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 Tuesday-Friday.

Brentwood
104 Oak St.

PSC staff available by appointment Tuesdays and Fridays.

Hercules
109 Civic Dr.

PSC staff available by appointment Tuesday-Thursday.

Pleasant Hill
2 Monticello Ave.

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
  • are native English speakers or English learners who can have basic conversations in English
  • want to learn to read, write, spell, and sometimes speak better in English
  • are 16 years of age or older and not in high school

PSC Learner Voices:

Six PSC learners (audio)
Gladys (KGO radio interview)
Oscar and Lora  (StoryCorps conversation)
In Our Words, Volume 10 (learner writings)

Become a PSC Tutor

PSC tutors are trained volunteers who:

  • are comfortable with their own English reading, writing, and spelling
  • meet with a learner for 90-minute lessons twice a week for at least six months
  • commit to tutoring a learner for at least six months
  • complete PSC’s training program, with no teaching experience required

Get started today by completing a 30-minute online PSC Prospective Tutor Information Session to help you decide if becoming a volunteer tutor is the right fit for you. Once you’ve completed the orientation, PSC staff will contact you about submitting your application for the next available tutor training class, offered several times a year.

Learn English-ESL Texts for Adult English Language Learners

To learn English or to teach English, have a look at this set of ESL grammar, conversation, vocabulary, and idiom texts.

Living and Learning with Dyslexia

Why do some really smart people struggle to read? What are the challenges, coping strategies and gifts of dyslexia?

Books on Dyslexia - Young Adult

YA books with strong characters with dyslexia, suggested by Decoding Dyslexia CA.

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 Project Second Chance. Board members include: Elizabeth Bognar (Secretary); Lisa Cline; Ann Marie Foley; Romi Graham; Carol Mansinne-Shafer; Michael Marable (President); Susan Schneider; and Rob Venema (Treasurer).

To donate to PSC, Inc., visit https://pscfundraising.org/. PSC, Inc. also accepts donations through employer matching programs and charitable giving campaigns.

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