Community impact Target funders and partners highlighting the Durham Literacy Center’s track record of serving over 600 students annually, reaching 16,500 residents since inception, and its role as the leading independent adult literacy provider in Durham County. Emphasize opportunities for grants, corporate volunteering, and program partnerships to expand reach.

Volunteer leverage Position DLC’s large volunteer base (several hundred volunteers) as a value proposition for corporate CSR programs, mentoring initiatives, and skills-based volunteering. Offer opportunities for employee involvement in tutoring, GED preparation, and digital literacy classes.

Educational partnerships Leverage existing collaborations with Durham Technical Community College, Durham County Library, El Centro Hispano and others to create joint programs, bundled services, or referral networks. Sell aligned education and career readiness pathways to local employers seeking trained, job-ready candidates.

Workforce readiness Highlight job-readiness and career pathway support as a core service to attract workforce development grants and employer sponsorships. Promote outcomes like improved literacy, GED attainment, and basic computer skills as catalysts for employment and employee upskilling.

Expansion through merger Consider opportunities stemming from the 2018 merger with Achievement Academy of Durham to offer enhanced GED/HiSET prep and scalable programs. Propose joint marketing, combined fundraising, and shared service delivery to attract larger grants and multi-year funding.