Mission

Literacy Council of Tyler believes that education is powerful and can unlock potential.

And, we believe that every adult should have the opportunity for education at any stage of life.  Our educational programs offer the opportunity for transformational results in the lives of adult learners, families and the greater community.

History

Literacy Council of Tyler (LCOT) began in 1990 as an adult basic literacy program but quickly expanded as we collaborated with other area agencies and began to offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Our reputation of quality program delivery and solid financial management led Tyler Junior College to subcontract their entire Texas Education Agency adult education program to Literacy Council of Tyler in 2001. LCOT now offers Basic Education, GED, and ESL classes. We also have a successful Family Literacy program at the Family Learning Center of Tyler and various Career Pathways programs.

In 2023, LCOT provided educational services to just over 2,100 students with a staff of 68 and over 150 volunteers. We have programs in six counties that draw from a seven county region, however the majority of our services are provided in Smith County. Because of our excellent student results, Texas Education Agency recognizes LCOT as a “Model Program”; only 25% of the Texas programs received this award. In fact, Literacy Council of Tyler was one of the few programs in the state to achieve 100% of the Federal Performance Measures for Adult Education.

Our services impact undereducated adults, their families, and the community at large. When adults improve their educational level, they not only benefit financially, they learn to value education; their own and that of their children.