Literacyworks Spring Newsletter 2025
Literacy: The First Step Toward U.S. Citizenship and Full Participation in American Life
For many aspiring Americans, the path to U.S. citizenship begins with more than just a desire for a better life—it begins with literacy. The ability to read, write, and understand English is not only a requirement for naturalization; it is the key to unlocking a whole and empowered life in the United States.
Literacy as a Gateway
To become a U.S. citizen, applicants must demonstrate an understanding of English and pass a civics exam that tests knowledge of U.S. history and government. For adults with limited literacy skills, this can be a daunting barrier. Many are immigrants or refugees working multiple jobs, raising families, and navigating a new culture—all while trying to improve their language skills. Without support, these challenges can feel insurmountable.
More Than a Test: A Lifelong Skill
At Literacyworks, we understand that literacy is not just about passing a test. It is about gaining the tools to participate fully in American society—to read job applications, understand health information, help children with homework, and advocate for one’s rights. Literacy is power, and it is central to the promise of citizenship.
Supporting the Journey
Programs like the Literacyworks Center provide essential support for adults on this journey. By offering scholarships, mentoring, and one-on-one guidance, we help individuals improve their English skills and gain the confidence to pursue citizenship, further education, and career goals. Many of our learners are first-generation college students and parents striving to build a better future for their families. For them, literacy is more than academic—it’s transformational.
Citizenship Strengthens Communities
When adults become literate and gain citizenship, they strengthen our communities. They become informed voters, active volunteers, and role models for their children. One of our students shared, “I want to be a model for my children so they know the value of education.”
At Literacyworks, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Literacy is the first step—and we’re here to walk that path with them.
A Legacy of Empowerment: The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria’s Support for Literacyworks
For many years, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria have been a vital and generous supporter of Literacyworks, helping hundreds of low-income and first-generation adult learners in Sonoma County and beyond. Their steadfast commitment to education and community empowerment has profoundly shaped the lives of countless individuals striving to achieve their dreams through literacy and lifelong learning.
Thanks to the generosity of the Graton Rancheria and other funders, Literacyworks has awarded over $1.7 million in educational awards to more than 1,665 low-income, low-literacy adult learners as of 2025. These scholarships are not just financial awards; they are lifelines that have enabled students to stay in school, complete certificates, earn associate degrees, transfer to four-year universities, and significantly improve their employment prospects.
The Graton Rancheria’s partnership with Literacyworks goes beyond financial contributions; it reflects a shared vision of uplifting underserved communities, empowering individuals to advocate for themselves, and strengthening the social and economic fabric of the region. Their support ensures that the promise of education extends to those who have historically been left behind—adult learners, English language learners, Indigenous students, and others striving for a brighter future.
As Literacyworks continues its mission to provide dynamic opportunities for lifelong learning, the backing of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community investment. In partnership, we are changing lives, building stronger families, and fostering a more inclusive and vibrant future for all.
For more information about Literacyworks and how to support its programs, visit www.literacyworks.org.
Former Literacyworks Center Student Accepted to Harvard
My name is Leticia Garcia Arango, and I am a proud first-generation college student and Literacyworks alumna. My parents immigrated from Oaxaca, Mexico, to Petaluma, California, and they were unfamiliar with the educational system in the United States. As a result, they were not able to guide me through my academic journey.
I am the oldest of five siblings and the first in my family to attend college. Paving the way for my younger siblings has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. With the knowledge and experience I gained, I’ve been able to help guide them through their own educational paths. Today, they are following in my footsteps, pursuing higher education and reaching for their dreams.
My higher education path began at the Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) Petaluma campus. It was there that I discovered many valuable academic resources, including the Literacyworks program. I am forever grateful to Literacyworks for the support they provided during my time in community college.
The Literacyworks team created a strong sense of community and belonging for students like me. They offered workshops and regular check-ins to ensure we stayed on the right path. Their guidance and encouragement were a critical part of my success.
In addition to emotional and academic support, Literacyworks also awarded me scholarships that helped relieve the financial burden of college. Thanks to their support, I was able to complete my associate degree at SRJC in 2019 and transfer to UCLA, where I earned my B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Chicanx Studies in 2021.
After graduating from UCLA, I took a few gap years to gain professional experience and give back to my community. I returned to SRJC and worked in various roles, including in the EOPS and CalWORKs programs, helping students navigate their own educational paths.
Recently, I was honored to be accepted into the Master’s in Education program in Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship at Harvard University. I carry with me the support of Literacyworks, my family, and my community as I begin this next chapter of my academic journey.
SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS!
Our low-income students are among the most vulnerable in our community when it comes to suffering during a disaster. Because of the COVID-19 epidemic, many of our students are still suffering a loss of income and housing.
Our staff is offering additional support services to ensure our students stay in school and complete their course of study. We are proud that most have persisted and remained.
Thank you for supporting our students with your donation during this difficult time. You are making a difference in their lives with your gift.
