LEARN

Over 600 scholarships awarded to adult learners throughout Massachusetts.

TEACH

Adult educators learn best practices and evidence-based techniques at our free workshops.

SUPPORT

Supporting adult learners and Adult Basic Education teachers throughout Massachusetts.

First Literacy provides life-changing educational opportunities for adult learners and educators across Massachusetts.

Adults with low-literacy or limited English proficiency and the teachers who support them are often overlooked by traditional education systems. At First Literacy, we see you. Through our program grants, free professional development workshops, and student scholarships, First Literacy reaches approximately 7000 adult learners and 200 educators in 100 programs across Massachusetts every year.

LEARN

First Literacy awards scholarships to adult learners as part of its mission to improve the lives of adults with low-literacy or limited English proficiency and positively impact communities.

LEARN MORE

TEACH

First Literacy offers free Professional Development Workshops, grants, and shared resources for Adult Basic Education and ESOL teachers, administrators and counselors.

LEARN MORE

SUPPORT

First Literacy supports adult learners and Adult Basic Education teachers through scholarships, free professional development workshops, and program grants.

LEARN MORE

“I now know that there is no age or time limit for beginning my new life. First Literacy has shown me what direction to take to achieve my goal. I have learned that no matter how difficult my situation, I should never give up.”

– First Literacy Scholar

“I always come away reinvigorated by the presenters and the attendees at the First Literacy Workshops. I am not paid for attending PD and am not reimbursed for attending MCAE so I especially appreciate your wonderful workshops. They keep me going! Thank you!”

– Workshop attendee

“Funding from First Literacy, that is unrestricted in terms of eligibility (immigration status, welfare status, referral systems, residence or employability), allows us to create and maintain our specialized morning class for non- or low-literacy learners. Simply, First Literacy funding ensures literacy instruction for the highest-need students.”

– First Literacy Grant Recipient

COVER TO COVER

Nine Boston Residents to be Honored at Scholarship Ceremony Hosted by the City of Boston Worker Empowerment Cabinet

On September 2, the City of Boston Worker Empowerment Cabinet will host the 2026 First Literacy Scholarship Ceremony in The Great Hall in Boston’s Faneuil Hall. The ceremony will celebrate 20 adult learners who were awarded First Literacy Scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

When you donate to First Literacy you help create life-changing educational opportunities for adults throughout Massachusetts with low-literacy or limited English proficiency. Additionally, your donation helps support the front line in adult basic education ensuring that adult learners receive the high-quality education they need to reach their full potential.

DONATE

We’re excited to share that our organization has earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency with Candid! Now, you can support our work with trust and confidence.