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A $30,000 grant helped Literacy New Jersey provide 1,310 hours of English tutoring to approximately 45 adults who live or work in Atlantic City.
The funding was part of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority’s (CRDA) support for local education and workforce programs. Literacy New Jersey was among the organizations included in the nearly $1.8 million in CRDA community grants announced earlier this year.
Participants completed 50 personal and professional goals during the grant-funded program. The results included progress related to employment, computer use, financial management, and everyday responsibilities requiring adults to communicate effectively in English.
Grant supports free adult tutoring
According to the CRDA, the entire grant was used for educational materials, instruction, and other resources required to provide the tutoring.
Students met regularly with volunteer tutors, with instruction shaped around the needs and goals of each participant. That allowed adults to concentrate on the English reading, writing, and communication skills most relevant to their circumstances.
For some participants, the tutoring supported efforts to find work or complete professional licensing requirements. Others used the instruction to become more comfortable handling documents, communicating during appointments, or completing tasks independently.
Literacy New Jersey has received CRDA support for its Atlantic City programming since 2024. The organization offers adult literacy services without charging participants for instruction.
Tutoring produces practical outcomes
The 50 completed goals covered both major professional achievements and smaller tasks affecting a person’s ability to manage daily responsibilities without assistance.
One participant earned a commercial driver’s license and secured employment driving an Atlantic City tram car on the Boardwalk. The result connected the literacy instruction directly to a professional qualification and a new job in the city.
Other completed goals included filling out insurance forms, managing bank accounts, reading newspapers, registering to vote, and learning to use a computer.
One participant also became better able to understand information during her son’s medical appointments.
Local organizations support the program
Literacy New Jersey works with several organizations in and around Atlantic City to provide space and other resources for its adult tutoring program.
Its partners include Atlantic Cape Community College, Oceanside Family Success Centers I and II, Brighton Avenue School, Chelsea Heights School, and the Atlantic County Library System.
Those organizations have provided classroom space, helped publicize the tutoring, and contributed additional resources. Their involvement allows Literacy New Jersey to deliver its services through institutions already serving Atlantic City-area residents.
Free services extend beyond English tutoring
The Literacy New Jersey Atlantic Cape program offers English as a Second Language instruction along with help in basic reading, writing, and math. Adults can also receive GED preparation, digital-literacy instruction, job-readiness assistance, and support preparing for the US citizenship test.
The GED program covers the subjects included on the exam and assists students with scheduling and paying for their tests. Digital-literacy instruction helps participants build basic computer skills and use commonly required programs such as Microsoft Office.
Job-readiness services cover searching and applying for jobs, preparing a resume, and practicing for interviews. Citizenship classes help Green Card-holders prepare for the required test and interview.
Literacy New Jersey says its classes are available during daytime and evening hours. Services are free and open to adults 18 and older.
Adults interested in receiving assistance can apply through Literacy New Jersey’s website or contact the Atlantic Cape office at 609-383-3377, extension 801. The office is located at 743 N. Main St. in Pleasantville.
Atlantic City casinos give 1.25% of gross gaming revenue to the CRDA.
