Literacy Minnesota

Learning comes alive when it leaves the classroom. Students at Open Door Saint Paul recently explored the Minnesota History Center as part of the Bell Museum's Nature for New Minnesotans program - a curriculum that connects newcomers to our state with our natural and cultural heritage. They were able to explore Ojibwe history, Manoomin, and more.

Thank you to Bell Museum and Minnesota History Center for funding this experience so our students could participate at no cost. They explored Ojibwe history, Manoomin, and more. See more details and photos below. 👇

This spring, our community set out to raise $100,000 by June 30 to support adult learners across the state. Generous donors have already brought us to $88,000!

Now we're in the final stretch, and the timing couldn't be better. A longtime Literacy Minnesota volunteer is matching every gift, up to $10,000, through June 30. That means a donation today goes twice as far.

Just $12,000 stands between us and our goal. Every dollar helps adults across Minnesota build the reading, writing, and digital skills they need to thrive.

💛 Help us cross the finish line: literacymn.org/litstrong

We had a great time at Love on the Lawn (LOL) Lowry this weekend! ❤️

It was wonderful to spend the day connecting with neighbors, celebrating local creativity, and enjoying all the joy and energy that make North Minneapolis such a special place.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with our team. We're proud to be part of this community and grateful for opportunities to come together, learn from one another, and celebrate what makes our neighborhood strong. 📚🌿

A special shoutout to our staff volunteers (only a few pictured below!) who showed up with smiles, enthusiasm, and a love for community. Thank you for helping make the day so special!

🎉 We'll be spreading some literacy love at Love on the Lawn (LOL) Lowry this Saturday!

Join us for an afternoon of music, art, food, laughter, and community in North Minneapolis. Stop by the Literacy Minnesota table to say hello - we'd love to meet you!

📅 June 6 | 12–6 p.m.
📍 Lyndale Ave N & Lowry Ave N
🎟️ Free & open to all

Bring a lawn chair, bring your neighbors, and join us for a celebration of joy, creativity, and connection. ❤️🌿📚

More details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2378283982683582

Our latest newsletter hit inboxes this morning, covering an update on how we're collaborating within the communities we serve, brief introductions to our newest board members, an opportunity to join our Summer Reads program as an AmeriCorps Vista Summer Associate, the latest update on our spring fundraising campaign, and more.

Make sure you're staying in the loop with us each month! We'll even make it easy and put the sign-up link right here: https://mailchi.mp/literacymn/grateful-6223683

Learning English sometimes looks like vocabulary practice, and sometimes it looks like a classroom game involving The Price Is Right.

Led by Teacher Jessica and our stellar volunteers at Open Door Saint Paul, learners practiced clothing vocabulary along with the words "more" and "less" by guessing whether different clothing items cost more or less than the listed price. There were plenty of laughs and teamwork along the way.

We love seeing the creative ways our educators make learning interactive and fun!

We get to see firsthand how hard ABE learners work every day and it’s nothing short of incredible. That’s why we’re excited to collaborate with Literacy Action Network on the 2026 ABE Student of the Year Awards.

Know a student who’s really shown up for their goals? Nominate them so they'll have a chance to win up to a $250 scholarship!

Nominations are open through May 30 👇 Check out the post below for all the details.

Literacy Action Network is proud to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 ABE Student of the Year Awards. In a collaborative effort with Literacy Minnesota, we have established new scholarship opportunities designed to recognize and support the exceptional dedication of ABE students across our community.

These prestigious awards highlight the perseverance and academic achievements of individuals within the Adult Basic Education program. For this year’s cycle, up to two selected students will each receive a $250 scholarship. These funds are intended to alleviate financial barriers and assist the recipients as they continue their educational journeys and pursue their long-term learning goals.

The winners will be officially recognized during a special presentation at the virtual ABE Summer Institute. We invite you to join us on Aug 12, 2026 to celebrate their hard work and success.

Nominations are due by May 30th, 2026.

Nominate your learners here:
https://literacyactionnetwork.org/news/abe-student-of-the-year-award-nominations-now-open/

🌻 Spots are filling up for Summer Reads, but we still need more friends to join us in our mission to support kids in Minnesota - especially at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities!

Passionate about education? Want to learn more about what it's like working with children? Just trying to earn some money for college?

JOIN US this year! Applications due May 10.

Questions? Contact Stevie at [email protected] 😎

Clubs looking for Summer Reads Mentors are: Al Lenzmeier West Side Boys & Girls Club Teen Center Jerry Gamble Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities Little Earth Boys & Girls Club John W. Hardeman III Boys & Girls Club Southside Village Boys & Girls Club Mt. Airy Boys & Girls Club

Summer Reads Summer Reads provides literacy services and mentorship to low-income children (primarily K-5) in schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations across Minnesota.

We ❤️ seeing Literacy Minnesota staff leading conversations that matter!

At this week’s COABE National Conference 2026, our very own Theresa Sladek will be presenting on Cybersecurity for Adult Learners, an increasingly critical topic as more of our learners build digital skills for work, life, and community.

Helping people access technology is only part of the work and making sure they can use it safely is just as important.

If you’re attending, be sure to swing by!

👇

I'm looking forward to presenting at the 2026 COABE National Conference on "Staying Safe in the Digital World: Cybersecurity for Adult Learners."

As the digital landscape constantly evolves and changes, so do the myriad ways criminals attempt to steal money and identities from unsuspecting victims. While teaching digital skills has a multitude of benefits, it is incumbent on instructors to ensure we also teach students how to stay safe in an online world.

We'd love to have COABE attendees join us as we look at the new Northstar standards, assessment, and teaching material on Cybersecurity

Hope to see you there!

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☀️ BREAKING NEWS: Summer Reads is fully BACK IN ACTION this year! Help us spread the word!

We're looking for THIRTY amazing people to serve kids in Minnesota communities. Are you passionate about education? Want to learn more about what it's like working with children? Just trying to earn some money for college?

JOIN US this year! PRIORITY given to applications received before April 20!

Questions? Contact Stevie at [email protected] 😎