The Literacy & Learning Center

The Literacy & Learning Center MISSION
The Literacy & Learning Center promotes lifelong learning through free educational programs for people of all ages.

VISION
Our vision is an informed and empowered community created by learning opportunities available to everyone.

We are deeply saddened to hear of Dolly Parton’s passing, whose heart, generosity, and vision touched millions of lives ...
08/25/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of Dolly Parton’s passing, whose heart, generosity, and vision touched millions of lives through her music and dedication to childhood literacy. 🤍🕊️

Whenever families choose to honor a loved one by supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, their kindness helps instill a lifelong love of reading in young children.

As the local Macon County affiliate for the Imagination Library, The Literacy & Learning Center ensures that every dollar donated locally goes straight to work right here in our own neighborhood, placing free, high-quality books directly into the hands of local children every month.

If you would like to direct your memorial gift or contribution specifically to impact children across our immediate community, you can donate directly to our local program here:
https://bit.ly/donate-for-dolly

Thank you for choosing to honor a legacy by investing in the bright futures of Macon County’s youngest readers. ❤️📖

GED is now being offered in person! This class will help students pass their GED test and better prepare for the workfor...
08/20/2026

GED is now being offered in person! This class will help students pass their GED test and better prepare for the workforce. We will meet you where you are on your education journey!

Supplemental self-paced online preparatory courses are also available to help students who want the additional resource.
Follow-up equivalency test fees for area testing site are also fully covered.

No registration required. Dinner provided.
Mondays
675 S 4th Street (next to Bryson’s)
5:30-6:30


Contact Bonnie Potts to learn more about more. 828-526-0863 or [email protected].

Celebrating Freedom & Resilience: Congratulations to Highlands’ Newest U.S. Citizen! 🎉🇺🇸 We are thrilled to share a very...
08/12/2026

Celebrating Freedom & Resilience: Congratulations to Highlands’ Newest U.S. Citizen! 🎉🇺🇸

We are thrilled to share a very special milestone of the new Citizenship class at The Literacy & Learning Center! Please join us in extending🎉 Big news at TL&LC! Join us in celebrating Jacky Hannan, Highlands’ newest U.S. citizen! 🇺🇸✨

Becoming a citizen takes immense hard work, dedication, and months of studying U.S. history and civics—we are so proud of Jacky’s incredible achievement! 🌟

A huge shoutout goes to our devoted Adult Education instructor, Faviola Olvera. Faviola doesn’t just prepare students for their exams; her passion runs so deep that she even travels to support them in person at their official swearing-in ceremonies! ❤️

Jacky’s success and Faviola’s dedication represent the heart of our free Citizenship and Adult Education programs. Congratulations, Jacky! 🥳👏

A huge THANK YOU to Mountain Findings! ❤️ We are so deeply grateful for Mountain Findings and their unwavering, continue...
07/31/2026

A huge THANK YOU to Mountain Findings! ❤️

We are so deeply grateful for Mountain Findings and their unwavering, continued support of The Literacy & Learning Center. Their dedication to giving back makes an incredible difference across the entire Highlands plateau!

Because of their generosity, we can provide 100% free educational programs to so many learners in our community:
🎒 12 Pre-K students building early skills
✏️ Up to 50 After-school students getting daily academic support
📚 ~15 Adult students advancing their literacy, ESL, GED, and citizenship goals
📖 ~1,000 Young children (birth to age 5) receiving monthly books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Thank you, Mountain Findings, for championing education and investing in the bright futures of our neighbors of all ages! 🌟

Pre-K Amazon Wish List! As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, we are already busy preparing our classroom for th...
07/17/2026

Pre-K Amazon Wish List!

As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, we are already busy preparing our classroom for the next group of eager learners! To ensure our students have everything they need to succeed, we have put together a Pre-K Amazon Wish List.

This year, our goals are twofold:
Replenish Consumables: We need to restock everyday essential supplies—like art materials, writing tools, and crafting items—that our busy students use up throughout the year.

Enhance the Pre-K Experience: We have included a few special items designed to elevate our classroom environment, spark curiosity, and make learning through play even more engaging.

Every donation goes directly into our students’ hands and helps us keep our high-quality Pre-K program completely free for local families. If you would like to support our youngest learners, please take a look at our list!

Thank you for your continued generosity and investment in our community’s youngest learners!

Visit: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3EK0OM3ZM9LWP?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_S93PRYVEYS9NJVCKEQC3

JOIN OUR TEAM: Two Job Opportunities!Programs ManagerThe Literacy & Learning Center | Highlands, NCFull-TimeThe Literacy...
07/09/2026

JOIN OUR TEAM: Two Job Opportunities!

Programs Manager
The Literacy & Learning Center | Highlands, NC
Full-Time

The Literacy & Learning Center is seeking an organized, enthusiastic, and mission-driven Programs Manager to oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of our educational programs.

For more than 30 years, The Literacy & Learning Center has provided free educational opportunities to children, adults, and families throughout Macon County. Our programs include a free Pre-K, after-school programs, tutoring, adult literacy, ESL, GED preparation, summer camps, and other educational initiatives that help build a stronger community.

This position plays a vital role in ensuring our programs operate smoothly while creating meaningful learning experiences for students of all ages.

Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee educational programs, including tutoring, after-school enrichment, adult literacy, ESL, GED preparation, summer camps, and other educational initiatives.
Work with Executive Director to strengthen, expand, and develop educational programs that respond to the evolving educational needs of our community.
Conduct student intake assessments and coordinate appropriate program placement.
Maintain accurate student records, attendance, assessments, and program data.
Coordinate instructors, classrooms, schedules, and program logistics.
Collaborate with staff and volunteers to support educational programs and special events.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with students, families, schools, partner organizations, and community members.
Support the Executive Director in the continued growth and success of educational programs.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
Experience in education, nonprofit management, program coordination, or a related field preferred.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new software systems.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
A passion for education and serving the community.
What We Offer
Competitive salary
Insurance reimbursement
Paid time off and holidays
Professional development opportunities
A collaborative, supportive work environment
The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, adults, and families in Macon County

To Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter to Bonnie Potts, Executive Director at [email protected] describing your interest in joining The Literacy & Learning Center.
________________

ESL Teacher (Part-Time)

We're seeking a compassionate, enthusiastic ESL Teacher to join our team and help empower adult learners through English language instruction.
The Literacy & Learning Center provides free educational opportunities to children and throughout Macon County. Our ESL program serves adults from diverse backgrounds who are eager to improve their English for work, family, and everyday life.

Responsibilities
Plan and teach engaging English language classes for adult learners
Create a welcoming and supportive classroom environment
Assess student progress and adapt instruction to meet varying skill levels
Maintain attendance and basic student records
Collaborate with staff to support student success
Qualifications
Experience teaching English as a Second Language or adult education preferred
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work with students from diverse cultural backgrounds
Spanish proficiency preferred, but not required
Passion for helping others achieve their educational goals
Schedule
Part-time
Evening hours (based on class schedule)

To Apply: Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected]

The countdown is on for the Swingin’ Soiree with the Swingin’ Medallions!!! You have three days left to get your tickets...
07/09/2026

The countdown is on for the Swingin’ Soiree with the Swingin’ Medallions!!!

You have three days left to get your tickets!

Gather up your dancing shoes and practice your Carolina S**g for an evening of toe-tapping fun with the Swingin’ Medallions!

Sunday, July 12
at The Farm at Old Edwards
Open Bar ~ Heavy Hors D’oeuvres ~ Dessert ~ Dancing

VIP PATRON PACKAGE
~ $500 per person
~ Express Check-in & Meet the Band (5:30 - 6 pm)
~ Table Service
~ Reserved Seating
~ Reserved Priority Parking
~ Professional S**g and Swing Lesson prior to event

General Admission $175

FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE from 200 Main
Loops beginning 5:30 pm


https://www.theliteracyandlearningcenter.org/swingin

To sponsor, please contact Jenni Edwards at 828-526-0863 or [email protected].

Are you ready for a night of dancing and live music?Join us for an unforgettable evening at Swingin' Soiree featuring th...
06/26/2026

Are you ready for a night of dancing and live music?
Join us for an unforgettable evening at Swingin' Soiree featuring the legendary Swingin' Medallions, one of the Southeast's most iconic beach music bands!

Sunday, July 12th at the Farm at Old Edwards Inn
6:00pm - 9:00pm
5:30pm VIP early check in.

The evening will include a full open bar, incredible food stations, and music and dancing to the Swingin' Medallions greatest hits! This is also an opportunity to make a lasting impacy for local children, families, and adult learners through The Literacy & Learning Center.

Tickets: https://givebutter.com/swingin-soiree-2026-hjpqan
General Admission: $175 per person
VIP Experience: $500 per person
(Includes express check-in, meeting the band from 5:30 to 6 pm, table service, reserved seating, reserved parking, and professional s**g and swing lessons prior to the event.)
Whether you're coming for the music, the food, the dancing, or to suopport literacy in our community, this is a night you won't want to miss!

Gather your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and help us make a difference!

Special thanks to our sponsors, The Hack Foundation, Pat Allen Reality Group, Timothy Noorwood, Lisa and Stick Richards, Tryon Wine Distributing

THE SWINGIN' MEDALLIONS ARE BACK

Address

675 S 4th Street
Highlands, NC
28741

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