SCOLA

The Scranton Council of Literacy Advance, also known as SCOLA Volunteers for Literacy, merged with United Neighborhood Centers on April 1, 2011. Because state and federal budget cuts challenged SCOLA’s ability to continue as a non-profit agency, this strategic move enables SCOLA to continue as a program of UNC using SCOLA staff and network of volunteers. Since UNC now provides administrative oversight, a greater portion of SCOLA’s funding can be applied to direct services. The merger also helps UNC expand the range of services it provides to individuals and families, creating more opportunities to empower individuals and build strong interdependent communities. SCOLA provides confidential literacy instruction at no charge to adult residents of Lackawanna County, both native and foreign-born, so that they may acquire the basic reading, writing, and life skills necessary to function effectively in society. As it has for more than 30 years, SCOLA promotes literacy for all people through advocacy, support, training, and outreach programs. SCOLA’s former Board of Directors serves as an advisory board to the program.