Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County provides free, confidential tutoring to adults and out-of-school teens in reading, writing, and conversational English; and recruits and trains volunteers to provide this tutoring.

There is no cost and anyone in our area who qualifies and needs help can receive it. Sometimes, however, a person may need more help than we can give, and we will refer them to another program.

A person is accepted into our program after a confidential interview and placement test. The student is told at this time if they qualify for our program.

1. Be at least 16 years of age and not in school
2. Be willing to commit to at least two hours of instructional time per week for one year; be on time for instruction; notify the tutor in advance if unable to attend any session
3. Agree to meet at an approved tutoring site
4. Be able to get to the tutoring site without help from the program or the tutor
5. Accept Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County's policy of non-discrimination: Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, physical appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability.
6. Have no record of conviction for any crime of violence or be recommended by probation and parole officer
7. Show appropriate behavior while working with the tutor:

• Be sensitive and respectful
• Use non-offensive language
• Speak in an appropriate tone of voice
• Never meet while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Never bring a weapon to the sessions

1. Speak to Literacy Volunteers Tutor Training classes
2. Help in the Literacy Volunteers office
3. Represent the student body on the Literacy Volunteers Board of Directors
4. Serve on a committee to help plan student activities
5. Speak at a special event such as the Partners in Literacy Breakfast or a United Way presentation