Our Mission & Vision
Changing Lives Through Literacy
At The Literacy Project of North Idaho, we believe literacy isn’t just a skill; it’s a doorway to dignity, opportunity, and lasting change.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to walk alongside adults as they build the reading, writing, or English language skills they need to thrive.
We envision a community where every adult has the tools to grow, contribute, and lead, as parents helping with homework, employees earning promotions, citizens voting with confidence, and lifelong learners reaching for new possibilities.
More than 36 million adults in the U.S. struggle with reading, writing, or math at a third-grade level or below. Behind that number are real people—neighbors, friends, and parents, quietly facing challenges most of us take for granted. We’re here to change that, one learner at a time.
Everything changes when an adult learns to read- their family, their future, and our entire community.
Pictured: Kat Gilmore, MA. Educator, advocate, and the founder whose heart sparked the vision that continues to guide The Literacy Project of North Idaho today.
What We Offer
Adult Literacy Programs
Adult learners, diverse backgrounds. Our tutors meet them where they are in weekly 2-hour sessions tailored to each person's pace and goals. Practical skills for work, family, and life.
ESL Programs
Free one-on-one tutoring and group classes to help you speak, read, and write English for daily life. It all begins with a quick placement test.
Timeline
Our story began with the vision of Kat Gilmore, MA, an educator with a deep passion for people and a belief that literacy can change everything.
From her living room during the pandemic, Kat launched what would become The Literacy Project of North Idaho, driven by one powerful goal: to help every adult discover the freedom and dignity that comes with being able to read, write, and communicate confidently.
Her heart for education and the human stories behind every learner continues to shape all we do.
Video Resources on Literacy in the U.S.
Become a Donor Today
FAQs
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All of the programs of The Literacy Project are free.
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Call our office to schedule an assessment appointment. 208-450-2669.
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Classes at The Literacy Project are small, and volunteer tutors provide individual assistance during classes. We also provide one-on-one tutoring outside of class time.
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Classes run from September-December & January-May. Learners can start anytime throughout the year, as long as they take an assessment test.
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Our financial support comes from a mix of corporations, foundations and individual gifts, as well as income we earn from our team members speaking at events or providing professional learning services. Learn more about our donors here.
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No. Like all organizations, LPNI needs revenue to operate — but we are careful and discerning in the funding we accept. Prior to the start of a fiscal year, we decide on the projects and programs we plan to pursue. Prospective funders receive the descriptions and budgets for these offerings, and choose which, if any, they might like to support. Their support does not enable them to make decisions or approve the content, resources and programs we produce.