First Literacy to Honor Deloitte’s Kevin McGovern for Supporting Adult Literacy
BOSTON, MA – On Thursday, April 11, at First Literacy’s 34th Annual Spelling Bee, Kevin McGovern, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP*, will receive the “First Literacy Champion Award”. This award is being given in gratitude to Kevin McGovern, a longtime supporter of First Literacy and its work supporting adult literacy.
While serving as Deloitte LLP’s New England Managing Partner, McGovern became involved with First Literacy in 2017.
“When I became the New England Managing Partner, I got personally involved with First Literacy,” said McGovern. “Part of my job has been to represent Deloitte in all of the communities we are in, and this includes how we help our broader communities improve. After meeting some members of the leadership team at First Literacy I was able to see First Literacy’s impact on lives and the importance of being literate.
McGovern has served on the Spelling Bee Host Committee for the past six years and is also responsible for the creation of the Deloitte Spelling Bee; a friendly competition for employees to determine who will represent Deloitte at the First Literacy Spelling Bee.
“The Deloitte Spelling Bee is a fun way to get people together and remind everyone of the importance of literacy and what First Literacy does,” said McGovern.
Deloitte has been a sponsor of the Annual Spelling Bee for the last 14 years and has contributed over $50,000 to First Literacy during this time.
“We are grateful for Kevin’s support over the years,” said Terry Witherell, First Literacy’s Executive Director. “Kevin recognizes the importance of our work and has gone the extra mile to advocate and spread the word about adult literacy. He truly is a Champion for First Literacy and our adult learners.”
In the state of Massachusetts, 1 in 6 adults are considered at risk for difficulties using and comprehending print material. Often overlooked, adult literacy is a persistent issue that impacts entire communities. Adult literacy can change everything – from earning potential, to a child’s academic success, to recidivism rates.
First Literacy envisions a world in which all adults are able to reach their full potential and support the continuum of Adult Basic Education (ABE) by offering free professional development workshops for teachers, grants for innovative new programs, and scholarships to adults continuing to higher education or vocational training.
Since First Literacy was established in 1989, over 50,000 adults have benefitted, improving their lives through the power of education. First Literacy has allocated more than $6 million to support teachers and innovative literacy programs. First Literacy’s impact is far-reaching and life changing.
*Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of their legal structure.