Pass the Power Adult Literacy, an educational outreach program of the Western Institute at Missouri Western State University, seeks volunteers to tutor individuals and facilitate small groups of people learning English. Training courses for volunteers will begin later this month.

“Over the past year Pass the Power Adult Literacy has experienced an increased need for volunteers,” said Deborah Ellsworth, Pass the Power program director. “Becoming a tutor means so much more than helping an adult learner improve his or her reading skills. It is about helping to change a life when a student gets a better job, registers to vote, obtains a library card, helps a child with homework for the first time, or does one of a hundred other things that you might take for granted each day.”

All volunteers are provided 12 hours of pre-service training prior to placement with adult learners. This training provides information on Pass the Power and the commitment and responsibilities tutors assume. Instructional methods and techniques will be reviewed along with information on the principles of reading and language acquisition. The training is provided at no cost to the volunteer.

Anyone fluent in English can become a tutor if they have a high school diploma or GED. Tutors come from all walks of life and share a common desire to help someone.

The first fall training session starts on Thursday, Aug. 23. Daytime and weekend sessions are available.  For more information on becoming a Pass the Power literacy tutor, please call 816-271-4113 or come by the office at 620 Francis, Suite 212, in downtown St. Joseph. The office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Volunteer applications are also available online at wi.missouriwestern.edu/outreach/passthepower.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.