Volunteers aged 18 and over are urgently needed to work with adult literacy students in Stanislaus County. Orientation and training for new tutors will take place April 6 and 8 at LearningQuest, 1032 11th St., downtown Modesto.

During training, prospective tutors will gain the knowledge needed to teach effectively, including the special dynamics of an adult learner, the differences in how people learn, and use of the Laubach phonics-based system of teaching reading. All teaching materials are provided. Cost for the orientation and training sessions is $10. Orientation will take place Thursday, April 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by training on Saturday, April 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Teaching an adult how to read is one of the most gratifying volunteer experiences,” said Literacy Program Manager, Natalie Ochoa. “You will receive the tools and support you need to help another adult learn to read.”

Tutors are matched with students according to their availability. Most tutors work with their students for 90 minutes twice a week for about one year. Tutoring sessions are held in public places such as a library, church, or coffee shop. For questions or to register for training, contact Learning Quest’s tutoring office at the Modesto Library, 1500 I St., Modesto. Call (209) 558-4505 or visit www.lqslc.com.

Learning Quest is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide education to adults for a better tomorrow. Free or low-cost instruction in reading, writing, math and English is provided by a combination of staff and more than 250 volunteers. LearningQuest receives funding from public and private contracts and through donations from businesses and individual donors. Nearly 1,500 Stanislaus County adults were served by LearningQuest programs last year.