A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Bridging adult skills gaps with free one-on-one tutoring

Upcoming Information Session

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, learn more about our upcoming information session

About Barrie Literacy Council

The Barrie Literacy Council (BLC) is here to help adults in our community bridge gaps in their reading, writing, math and computer skills, use these skills in everyday living, reach their own goals and improve their self-esteem.

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CUSTOMIZED APPROACH

Your needs and challenges are unique, so your personal tutor or instructor will work with you to achieve your goals – whether it’s learning to read, strengthening your numeracy, learning basic computer skills or preparing for a credit.

CONFIDENTIAL

Your story is yours alone, and we will protect it as you work toward your educational, employment or independence goals by providing a safe, respectful and private environment.

FREE

You read that right. Our services are free to eligible adults living in Barrie and area, looking to upgrade their skills or improve their literacy and numeracy.

Why you need the Barrie Literacy Council

Have you lost confidence? Can’t see a path to your future? We will help you bridge skills and confidence gaps through one-on-one tutoring, independent study or small classes. IN PERSON and FREE!

1,500+

STUDENTS
ASSISTED
SINCE 1979

100%

FREE TUTORING
SERVICES FOR ELIGIBLE
BARRIE & AREA RESIDENTS

1,319

HOURS THAT VOLUNTEER TUTORS SPENT ONE ON ONE WITH STUDENTS LAST YEAR

Ready to get started?

Quick Tips

Adult Literacy Tutors Are So Important In Our Community

Imagine having someone completely focused on your success, especially when others have walked away. By becoming a tutor, just a few hours a week can help an adult gain essential literacy skills—empowering them to take charge of their future.

Thorough training
Previous teaching not required
Choose your student
Staff support

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We Need Your Support!

The BLC commits to offering personalized, learner centric programs that empower adults to overcome barriers and build self – esteem, whether enhancing literacy and numeracy, acquiring specific skills, or obtaining a single credit. We achieve this through dedicated tutors, innovative teaching methods and strong community partnerships.

Become a Donor

Information Sessions and Tutor Training

Are you interested in learning more about or becoming a tutor with the Barrie Literacy Council?

Info Sessions and Training

What People Say About Us

Volunteers and students share their experiences with us—enjoy their stories!

Volunteering as a tutor at the Barrie Literacy Council for the past 15 years has brought me a lot of pleasure. It is a great feeling to be able to help an adult student reach their dreams and goals of learning. Each student has different needs, whether it be reading, math or obtaining a driver’s license. I always think that I learn as much from our students as I teach them.

V.S.

I had the best day yesterday! My tutor figured out what I was trying to do with subtraction and now I know how to subtract in a way that works for me. How did I get through my life without knowing this before? Thank you, Barrie Literacy Council, and especially my tutor!

L.R.

If I hadn’t learned how to deal with workplace problems, I would have decked the guy last night, instead of fixing the problem.

Just wanted you to know that I received my gas fitters license this week – everything I studied with you was exactly right!

J.A.

I went to the Barrie Literacy Council to earn my GED. They helped me with my reading, writing and math. Through a lot of hard work and help from my tutor and other volunteers I managed to obtain my GED. If it weren’t for the BLC, I never would have got it.