ALASKA LITERACY PROGRAM INC Information

The Alaska Literacy Program (ALP) is a volunteer based non-profit that has provided basic literacy instruction to adults in the Anchorage area for 35 years. ALP responds to the increasing need for adult basic education and English literacy by developing and adding classes and programs. Our mission is "Changing lives through literacy. ALP began in 1974 as a small group of dedicated individuals led by Frances Jones, who wanted to make a difference in the lives of adults with minimal reading skills. We were an all-volunteer agency until 1983 when Jackie Johnson became the first Executive Director. In 1986, ALP moved into permanent housing by purchasing 2 office condominiums on Rudakof Circle. Donna Chaikoff served as Executive Director from 1989-1999. Polly Smith became Executive Director in 1999. ALP's staff grows and shrinks depending on grant cycles and funding ability. ALP has been on the cutting edge of volunteer literacy programs. The agency developed video training tapes in 1986, one year before the national organization. The need to address adults with learning disabilities fostered the Multi-Sensory Instruction Program which became a program with promising practices in a national seven year study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, 1998-2005.