Programs

A diverse selection of programs are offered to adult students focusing on their abilities and needs. Instruction is learner-centered, so each offering is tailored to a student’s particular goals to strengthen their English, math or computer skills. Weekly instruction is provided and ranges in time from one to two hours.

“Everybody Wins!” is our only child-oriented program for elementary school students. Adult mentors read to children each week during their lunch time to help them develop a love of reading.

For more information please contact our Troy office at 518-244-4650, our Albany office at 518-434-0540, or message us now by clicking here.

Click any of the boxes below to learn more.

Help individuals learn to read, write, speak English, and improve their math and computer skills. Tutoring is free and confidential for students. Tutors and students work together for an average of 1 to 2 hours per week to meet students’ goals.

English Literacy Civics is a great way for immigrants and refugees to learn about life in America. Lessons cover topics ranging from education and employment to the three branches of government. Classes are held via Zoom.

This 8-week class gives women a chance to learn valuable employment and sewing skills while studying English every Tuesday at the Women’s Club of Albany.

This program gives elementary school children a chance to spend time reading with positive adult role models. Mentors are from the community, and meet weekly with children in Troy, Rensselaer and Cohoes schools. This program helps children develop a love of reading and strengthens their success in school.

The benefits of workplace literacy programs are many, both personal and professional.

A workplace literacy program can:

  • Improve job retention
  • Increase quality of work
  • Increase morale
  • Reduce error rate
  • Reduce time-per-task
  • Aid in customer retention
  • Increase profitability
  • Improve health and safety records

The majority of our learners are adults who must work for a living, and employment often becomes a barrier to instruction. Students who work can find it difficult to get to class. However, when our students are hired by an employer that hosts a workplace literacy program, English instruction can continue. Students can study English before or after their shift or during a regularly scheduled break. They can build vocabulary and improve their ability to communicate with co-workers and supervisors. Volunteer instructors prepare lessons and meet with students at the workplace for sessions lasting from 30 to 60 minutes.

Volunteers are needed. We can train members of your workforce to tutor employees who need to improve their literacy skills. For more information about starting a workplace literacy program, please call 518-244-4650.

Tutors provide students the information and skills they need to pass the Naturalization Test and interview. Curriculum is available and can be done on an individual basis or in a group setting.

This program is offered as part of the “Ready to Work” trainings at the Troy YWCA.  Women learn about budgeting, finance, personal insurance and improve their math skills.