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About OC Read

OC Read is a program designed to support adult learners to further their work, family, and personal goals. OC Read provides foundational tutoring for Orange County adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills. Details about OC Read's various literacy programs are available below, and with more information on the Tutors and Learners pages. 

Why Literacy Matters

  • 1 in 4 adults in Orange County read below the 8th grade level
  • 16% of adults in Orange County do not have a high school diploma
  • 29% of inmates in United States prisons have low literacy skills
  • Children of parents with low literacy skills have a 72% chance of being at the lowest reading levels
  • 47% of children in Orange County are not ready for kindergarten
  • The United States ranks 12th in the literacy world

Three Divisions, One Program

Adult Basic
Literacy Skills

Personalized tutoring for adult learners who need help with their basic reading and writing skills. Walk-in and One-on-One programs are available. With the assistance of an individual tutor, learners can achieve life goals such as:  

  • Reading a newspaper
  • Getting a better job
  • Registering to vote

Families for Literacy
(FFL)

Intergenerational activities and programs that center around the adult learners and their roles a parent and as a non-parent, such as their own role as a child, sibling, grandparent, etc. Build skills together through:

  • Interactive activities for the whole family
  • Directed learning experiences
  • Connection-building

Working for Inmate Literacy Now (WIN)

WIN is currently on hiatus.

How To Join

For Learners

OC Read offers two adult literacy services programs. Information about both services can be found on the Learners page. 

For Volunteers

Please review the volunteer opportunities and information about New Tutor Training listed on the Tutors page. 

FAQ

OC Read has two adult literacy programs.

One-on-One Tutoring
One-on-One services are open to Orange County residents who are:

  • Are 16 years or older 
  • Are not enrolled in a degree-granting program 
  • Have two or more hours a week to devote to tutoring
  • Attended most of their K-12 education in the United States (*Adult learners do not have to have graduated high school to be eligible). 

Walk-in Tutoring
Walk-in services are open to adults ages 16+ who have literacy questions.

All OC Read services are free.

Yes. Any personal information shared with OC Read is kept confidential. 

OC Read tutors come from all walks of life. No experience is needed—OC Read will provide all the necessary training. 

One-on-One tutors are:

  • 18 years of age or older.
  • Willing to try new things and think outside the box.
  • Regularly able to commit a minimum of 2 hours a week to tutoring time, plus lesson prep time.
  • Must check email regularly, and have or be willing to learn, basic computer skills. 

Walk-in tutors are: 

  • 18 years of age or older.
  • Reliable, patient, compassionate, and have a positive attitude.
  • Able to commit to volunteering for two hours (1 shift) per month. 
  • Must check email regularly, and have or be willing to learn, basic computer skills. 

No teaching experience or special degrees are needed to become a volunteer. OC Read provides free introductory online training and ongoing additional support. Visit the Tutors page for more information.

One-on-One Tutoring
Tutors and learners meet at their local OC Public Libraries branch for 2 hours per week. 

Walk-in Tutoring
Currently, Walk-in services are only available at select branches. Please visit the Learners page for specific locations and hours.

Yes. An estimated 400,000 adults in Orange County do not read or write well enough to meet their needs as workers, family members and members of the community. 

Though OC Read strives to serve the English Language Learner (ELL) community to the fullest extent possible, One-on-One tutors do not have the training to effectively assist ELL adults who want to work on their English (listening, speaking, reading, writing). 

OC Read Walk-in Tutoring, however, may be beneficial for ELLs who have specific literacy questions.

If you or someone you know would like to learn English, OC Read can help connect you with low cost/no cost ESL programs within Orange County. Please contact the office at readoc@occr.ocgov.com or (714) 566-3070 for personalized assistance. 

Get Involved Today!

For more information or questions about how you can join OC Read as a volunteer, visit the Tutors page.