Students who come to WPALP are looking to complete their GED, better their reading, writing or math skills, or learn the English language.  Many are unable to attend adult education classes due to lack of transportation, unpredictable work schedules, and a multitude of family responsibilities.  For these students, one-on-one instruction is the best solution.  Our tutors meet with students twice per week at a convenient time and location.

All programs are completely free of charge, personal and confidential. Tutoring is available for adults, 17 and older, who are residents of Wayne County or Pike Counties.

• One-on-One tutoring sessions with a trained WPALP volunteer
• Individualized lessons plans
• All study materials provided at no cost to the student

Completing your high school education is closer than you think. WPALP will provide instruction and materials, which can amount to $600.00 per Tutor - Student pairing depending on Student's starting literacy-levels.  You provide the willingness, time and commitment.

Carmen 

Carmen came to our program seeking help with the English language. Carmen passed her Manicurist licenses for NY and PA in the spring of 2011. During the time she was studying for these licenses she came to another decision and told her tutor, Pat Ware that she wanted to become a US citizen and study to take the United States Citizenship test. Right away Pat drove to our office to get the Citizenship study materials and began teaching Carmen to study for the test. The day that Carmen was taking (and passing) her Citizenship test, Pat drove over to the Farrel’s home and lined their driveway with dozens of little American Flags in celebration of Carmen becoming an American Citizen. Carmen and her husband were thrilled to see this display of their patriotism upon returning home from Philadelphia. That is the kind of dedication, commitment and love that Wayne Pike Adult Literacy volunteers bring to the program!

Spring’s story

When she first came to us for help she assessed at less than first grade in reading and math. She dropped out of high school because her family was frustrated with the school district’s special education system. Pairing Spring with a retired reading specialist is one of the special bonus’s of our program. Many dedicated teachers seek us out when they retire because they love teaching and want to continue. Spring met with her tutor once each week for 3 hours. Spring had many challenges in her life at this time. She worked full time on the night shift in a factory without advancement because she couldn’t take the placement test to advance. She shared the care for her invalid grandmother with her sister and babysat during the day while her sister went to work. She learned to read! She is a very determined woman. WPALP honored. That same year Spring started a home business with AVON. She is doing very well with the AVON business and has made huge advances in their sales department. She is reading at a high school level now and has overcome her barriers and challenges to learning!

Shorty’s story 

Shorty was 58 when he entered our program and could not read or write. His tutor was Rose Robacker. This excerpt from Rose recounts her first meeting with “Shorty”. “I went to his home which was a large, early 1800’s house with white pillars.” Rose recalled. As she entered Shorty’s house for the first time, she was astounded by what she saw. Shorty’s home was an art gallery filled with the most amazing collection Rose had ever seen, She asked if she could look at his art collection. Shorty showed her through 4 floors of sculptures, Majolica and Tramp Art which was made by Hobo’s during the depression years. Most of the art in Shorty’s home are pieces he has restored after finding them at garage sales. ” His knowledge of each piece was phenomenal,” Rose said. “He talked of Aphrodite and the Napoleonic Era!” Rose did question why she was there as she listened to this intelligent and knowledgeable man. As they sat in Shorty’s dining room and Rose began the paperwork to enroll him in the program, Shorty and told her of his severe dyslexia. He could only recognize three letters of the alphabet on the program’s assessment tool, however he could write his name in cursive handwriting! 

“However, did you learn to write your name?” Rose asked him, “It’s a design that I memorized” was Shorty’s quick answer. “Incredible!” Rose exclaimed. She began tutoring Shorty with Skill Book 1 in the Laubach Way to Reading series. Finally, a significant day came for Shorty. He was so proud that he could write a note for Rose to let her know he was at his neighbor’s house and he would be back in a few minutes for their tutoring session. After retiring in 2009 Rose moved out of state. Rose and Shorty are very satisfied with Shorty’s accomplishments. Today Shorty is able to read well enough to function in today’s society and he is so grateful to Rose for taking her time to teach him how to read and write!

Monika’s story 

Monika moved to the Poconos in 1988. “I was a single parent with two small children. I graduated High School but never really learned to read and write very well. When my children were in school I was unable to help them with their English and Reading homework and that was hard for all of us. I worked full time at Corey Associates for several years and met my husband there. We met in 1999 and married in 2001. We owned a store for a short time and I enjoyed that very much. We sold it and moved to Fawn Lake Forest where we live today. My husband heard about your program and convinced me that it was never too late to learn. My tutor was Carol Rick. She worked with me for three years. I'm glad I had Carol because she pushed me to do things I did not know I could do. She is a great teacher. I can now read and write much better. I'm not perfect and will continue to learn but I feel much more confident thanks to Carol and I'm no longer afraid to try.”

Diana’s story

Diana was born in Taiwan. She came to America in 1983. She tells us she moved a lot. She lived in several states and for many years she was surrounded only by Chinese people, Chinese food, Chinese movies, and Chinese language. Her first job was as a bus girl where she worked long hours and it was hard work. She still works in a restaurant but now she is the manager, not a a busgirl. Diana moved to Honesdale in 2003 and found the Wayne Pike Adult Literacy Program. The program has changed her life. She tells us she has become more powerful and assertive because she has learned how to read English and use a computer. Her life in America gets better every day. She can read a novel in three weeks, she is a volunteer for the Wayne Memorial Hospitals translation program where she can translate English to Chinese speaking hospital patients, but more importantly she is not afraid to “hang out” with her customers in the restaurant. Diana was under the mistaken idea that she had to pass a test in order to learn English. The WPALP explained the difference between tests and assessments for reading levels. It was the first time in years Diana found someone who took the time to explain things to her. Diana submitted the following quote by Susan Polis Schultz to be included with her bio for the 2008 program. “Life Is Yours Take The Power To Choose What You Want To Do And Do It Well.”