York Literacy Institute

Teaching literacy skills in English to empower adults for successful engagement in the home, workplace, and community

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News & Events

2026 is a Milestone Year

  Our mission is to teach literacy skills in English to empower adults for successful engagement in the home, workplace, and community. York Literacy Institute (YLI) traces its origins to the early 1970s, when a group of dedicated community volunteers saw the...

Beyond Numbers: YLI’s Math Program

 At York Literacy Institute (YLI), the adult education program is more than just a classroom—it’s a space where confidence, curiosity, and personal growth take center stage. As part of the program, YLI offers classes focused on improving math skills. Guided by...

Buck A Book® Inspires Young Readers

  Now in its 34th year, the Buck A Book® Reading program inspires students to embrace reading while raising critical funds for literacy initiatives. For two weeks in January, over 1,400 York County students read 8,974 books and, together with our sponsors, raised...

Providing Adult Literacy Classes Since 1976

ANNUAL STUDENTS IN CLASSES

ANNUAL STUDENTS EARN THEIR HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM

Our Mission Has Expanded

Today, York Literacy Institute provides in-person and HyFlex classes, one-to-one tutoring, presentation & workshops, and a digital language lab within our Adult Reading, English as a Second Language (ESL) & Next Step Programs. In each program, the adult student is given standardized assessments, an educational plan, instructional placement, referrals to other human service agencies, and educational institutions, and consultation on literacy topics. In addition to onsite access to our YLI Library, students are offered special classes in computer basics instruction and presentations on health literacy, workplace literacy, and financial literacy topics.

York Literacy Institute’s Programs

Students in a classroom in the Adult Reading Program

Adult Education Program

Assisting English-speaking adults (18 years or older) to improve reading, writing, spelling, math, computer, & study skills

English as a Second Language

Focuses on improving conversation skills which includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills

Next Step Programs

Offers YLI students and former students support services for workplace and career readiness

How to Get Involved

Become a Tutor

Volunteer Tutoring at YLI is a rewarding experience as you help YLI’s mission get accomplished

Become a Volunteer

If you enjoy meeting people and want to help, we have a number of volunteer opportunities

Donate

There are many ways in which you can donate and help support our mission at the York Literacy Institute

Our History & Mission

How We Got Started

The mission began when a few community volunteers witnessed the need for adult literacy instruction in the York community. They attended workshops presented to learn the Laubach Method of teaching literacy skills and the groundwork was set.

The Journey Began

Incorporated in 1980, the mission continued as the number of learners and tutors grew. Volunteers met one-to-one with both English speaking illiterate or functionally illiterate adults and foreign-born individuals seeking to speak, read, and understand English.

The Future of Literacy in York County

Today, York Literacy Institute provides in-person and HyFlex classes, one-to-one tutoring, presentation & workshops, and a digital language lab within our Adult Reading, English as a Second Language (ESL) & Next Step Programs. In each program, the adult student is given standardized assessments, an educational plan, instructional placement, referrals to other human service agencies, and educational institutions, and consultation on literacy topics. In addition to onsite access to our YLI Library, students are offered special classes in computer basics instruction and presentations on health literacy, workplace literacy, and financial literacy topics.