WELCOME to calc
When you enter our building as a student, you'll find a welcoming, supportive, and uplifting environment. Capital Area Literacy Coalition - The Reading People - is a place of understanding and support, where our staff and the vibrant community we bring together not only 'get' the challenges you're going through, we'll also walk alongside you as you work to achieve your personal goals.
At CALC, students meet and gather with volunteer tutors in person or within virtual spaces to focus on learning. Together we use the power of shared experience and our collective wisdom to help you succeed. Empowerment Through Literacy means as we work together, you flourish and become self-sufficient.
We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity in our program and serve others with cultural sensitivity and compassion. If you face educational challenges in your life, The Reading People are here for you.
OUR PROGRAM
Through its small staff and volunteer tutors, CALC provides free diagnostic testing and one-to-one instruction in reading and writing. Student goals are paramount and may include reaching grade level or job requirements for literacy, earning a GED, and preparing for citizenship testing.
Our free programs are geared toward children struggling in school, at risk-teens, and adults. Immigrants and refugee families can learn English as a second language.
ged
CALC's FREE GED program provides students with the opportunity to earn their High School Equivalency and expand their employment and education possibilities. The GED test is made up of four subjects, broken into separate exams. The subjects are math, language arts, social studies, and science. Because we recognize that many adult learners have busy schedules, we provide study materials for each GED subject and allow students to work at their own pace. Students come into our building weekly to take practice tests and meet with the GED coordinator to discuss their progress. Students who need extra support or guidance may be paired with a GED tutor, who will assist them in learning content requirements and improving study skills. We accept students from all educational backgrounds and encourage anyone who is interested in receiving their GED to contact us and get enrolled!
Call 517-485-4949 to enroll
English for speakers of other languages
At CALC, we provide a variety of FREE learning options for those wishing to improve their English skills. We offer one-to-one ESL tutoring, group ESL classes, and citizenship classes for students with all levels of English, from beginner to advanced. Our ESL programs help students build vocabulary and develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in order to meet their personal, academic, and career goals. Immigrants, refugees, and international visitors from over 45 countries around the world have received ESL instruction with CALC. If you are interested in finding out more about our ESL programs, contact our ESL Coordinator at eslcoordinator@thereadingpeople.org
ADULT LITERACY
It’s never too late to achieve literacy in English and reach your goals. Adults can benefit from free, one-to-one tutoring in basic reading and writing; GED preparation with free testing; and English Language/Citizenship test preparation (immigrants from over 45 countries have come to CALC!). Challenges often include not being able to fill out forms, read directions, or communicate in writing. CALC’s free testing helps determine reading level English fluency, aiding optimal matching of students and tutors.
Family school partnership
The Family School Partnership (FSP) is a program for children, kindergarten thru fifth grade students, that live in the Lansing Housing Commission low income housing throughout Lansing. Under the guidance of our FSP Coordinator, the Site Supervisors and Teen Tutors, the children are given a curriculum rich in literacy and associated activities twice weekly year round. Community organizations, such as Potter Park Zoo, offer enrichment programs to our students as well. Weekly themes and special activities , snacks, and school supplies are provided. The Teen Tutors, in addition to being paid employees, are given guidance regarding employment, financial management, and college application help.