Our vision is that one day, literacy will be recognized as a basic human right, supporting people along their journey to read, write, and interpret the world.

About Us
Founded on principles of popular education, Literacy Works supports adult literacy education and communication equity through our Community Literacy and Clear Language Lab programs.
We stand as a key resource to community-based literacy programs, providing low-cost, high quality educational guidance and support. For most programs in Chicago and throughout Illinois, Literacy Works serves as a central source of professional development, networking, and peer learning.
As educators, we believe that access to information is essential for a just society. Our Clear Language Lab offers training, consulting, and coaching services to nonprofit and governmental organizations in a variety of sectors. We work with organizations across the country to make their communications more clear, accessible, and equitable.

Our impact
Literacy Works is proud to share insights from our work in our Fiscal Year 2023 Impact Report. Through our Community Literacy and Clear Language Lab programs, we continue to deepen our connection to the communities we serve through responsive programming and increased capacity.
This past year, our programs provided training to more than 1800 individuals who represented more than 250 organizations. We are honored to do this work with a strong network of support. We invite you to read our 2023 Impact Report to learn more.
Our values in action
"As a health communications strategist, I can relate to the importance of clear language for patients and their families. Health marketers and communicators would make better work by incorporating these principles into their patient engagement and education programs." - Literacy Works client
"I have been working with my learner since November and have pretty much had to figure out activities on my own, searching the internet and reading materials in our local library. So far this training has been exactly what I needed to make me reflect on foundational elements to consider as a tutor without a teaching background. I have found the concepts helpful and thought provoking and I look forward to the next set of modules and the live training." - Literacy Works member