Find Literacy Zone locations in the Capital North region, providing pathways out of poverty through education, workforce support, and community services.
Literacy Zones in the Capital North Region
Connecting communities to education, workforce, and support services across New York State
What is a Literacy Zone?
The Literacy Zone is a reform initiative to close the achievement gap in urban and rural communities of concentrated poverty and high concentrations of families and individuals with limited literacy or English language proficiency. Literacy Zones provide a systemic approach to meeting the literacy needs of these communities characterized by significant poverty and deficits in literacy and English language proficiency. Geographically defined as one or more adjacent census tracts using the US Census Bureau data, New York State Education Department has identified 51 Literacy Zones across the State. Each Literacy Zone can provide pathways out of poverty for individuals and families, in the following areas:
- A continuum of literacy from early childhood through adult, including strong support for parents’ involvement in their children’s literacy development at home and engagement with the school system
- Assistance and support for out-of-school youth to enable them to complete high school and succeed in postsecondary education or advanced training
- Postsecondary transition that enable out-of-school youth and adults to obtain a high school equivalency diploma and succeed in postsecondary education
- Support services that enable out-of-school youth and adults who are receiving public assistance, or families with incomes of less than 200 percent of poverty, to obtain and retain employment
- Transition programs for youth and adults returning to the community from incarceration
- Pathways to citizenship and English language proficiency for limited English language adults
- Workforce development programs, including apprenticeship, career and technical education, and career pathways
- Support for mature workers and senior citizens to enable them to stay out of Poverty
- Support for individuals with disabilities and their families
- Transition support for returning veterans and their families, including disabled veterans
Find a Literacy Zone Near You
Albany-Schoharie-Schenectady BOCES- South End and West Hill/Arbor Hill Literacy Zone Sites
South End and WestHill/Arbor Hill Literacy Zones at the South End and West Hill/Arbor Hill Literacy Zone settings, adult learners can gain the knowledge, skills and support needed for economic self-sufficiency.
Learn MoreLiteracy New York – Fulton, Montgomery, and Schoharie Counties
Literacy New York–Fulton, Montgomery, and Schoharie Counties (LNY-FMS) provides free, student-centered instruction for adults seeking to improve their reading, writing, and math skills, including preparation for the GED. Instruction is also available for English language learners. Services are offered in one-on-one and small group settings, with flexible scheduling and convenient locations tailored to meet each learner’s needs.
Locations & Contact Information:
- Cobleskill Office: 107 Chapel Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043 | 518.234.2576
- Gloversville Office: 73 North Main Street, Gloversville, NY 12078 | 518.725.1440
Hamilton Fulton Montgomery BOCES
Classes held at the Literacy Zones are generally intended for adults age 21 and older. Potential students age 18 through 20 are welcomed as funding and space allows. Students under 21 years of age may also enroll with our partners at the Workforce Solutions Center since they have programs specifically designed for out-of-school youth.
The Amsterdam Literacy Zone Welcome Center is located at the United Presbyterian Church, 25 Church Street, Amsterdam. The phone number is 518-212-6120. Follow the Amsterdam Literacy Zone on Facebook.
The Gloversville Literacy Zone Welcome Center is located at 43-47 North Main Street in Gloversville.The phone number is (518) 725-3308. Follow the Gloversville Literacy Zone on Facebook.
Learn MoreSt. Lawrence–Lewis BOCES Adult Education- Massena Literacy Zone
The Massena Literacy Zone connects adults and families with essential education and workforce resources in a welcoming, student-focused setting. Through community partnerships, it provides access to academic support, GED preparation, job training services, and guidance to help individuals overcome barriers and move toward greater stability and opportunity.
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