THE MAYOR'S COMMISSION ON LITERACY, formed in 1983, was the first literacy agency in the country to be established by a local governing body. It goal is to ensure that quality education is available to equip all adults in Philadelphia with the literacy skills necessary for the workforce, parenting, and community life. It has spearheaded efforts in using technology to enhance adult learning, and collaborates literacy organizations, corporations, community groups and others.

THE NATIONALITIES SERVICE CENTER offers a range of ESL, GED, and other skills classes, primarily to immigrant communities.

THE DELAWARE COUNTY LITERACY COUNCIL provides free, one-on-one and small group basic reading instruction for adult residents through a countywide network of trained and supported volunteer tutors. ESL instruction is also available.

THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATIONS was incorporated in 1984 to serve the Cambodian, Laotian, Vietnamese, ethnic Chinese and Hmong refugee communities in Philadelphia. Among its human services are English language classes and tutors.

THE COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER in Frankford helps adults develop literacy skills, with one of its core offerings ESL classes. CLC also says it advances family literacy "by building home libraries for the youngsters in our students' homes. Through book drives and grants from foundations such as First Book, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own new books, we acquire and distribute children's literature. We teach caregivers the importance of reading to children."

PROJECT SHINE (Students Helping in the Naturalization of Elders), based at Temple University, connects college students with older immigrants and refugees to tutor them in English, literacy or citizenship. SHINE is a national service-learning initiative operating in 10 cities across the country. Students tutor elders in community-based organizations, senior centers, ESL or citizenship classes, faith-based organizations, and ethnic organizations.

INTERCULTURAL FAMILY SERVICES INC., founded in 1979 as the Asian American Service Center, provides an array of community-based services that include ESL classes.

THE LINGUAL INSTITUTE offers interpreting, translating, language instruction and other services to businesses, courts, government agencies, hospitals, social welfare organizations and individuals. It has an English Language Academy that provides ESL instruction as well as Certificate Programs for Teachers of English/ESL or Translators or Interpreters.

THE YMCA OF PHILADELPHIA & VICINITY'S EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER is dedicated to lifelong learning for adults, including helping them to improve their English speaking, reading, writing and listening skills. We offer free ESL classes, one on one English tutoring and a weekly English Conversation Group for those wishing to practice their English skills in an informal and friendly setting.