About

Who We Are

Founded in 1972, The Literacy Alliance (TLA) is a not-for-profit organization based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, that empowers adults through free literacy and education programs—such as high school equivalency (HSE) preparation (Project Graduate), adult basic literacy (Project Build), and English language learning (Project Connect)—while also tutoring young readers (Project Reads).

TLA’s work extends beyond literacy into workforce development. By helping adults earn diplomas, improve English, and strengthen essential skills, we equip them to access career training, secure employment, and advance in the workplace. Our programs are closely aligned with employer needs and regional workforce initiatives, ensuring that students are building both academic foundations and job ready skills.

Mission Statement

Literacy changes lives. Our mission is to empower people and strengthen community through education. Values Statement We put learners at the center of everything we do, guided by respect, trust, and belief in the power of opportunity. Every choice we make opens new pathways to literacy, education, and a brighter future.

Vision Statement

Our future is one where The Literacy Alliance drives generational change through education, serving as a catalyst for transformation across the region.

Culture Statement

At The Literacy Alliance, each program, decision, and interaction is guided by the needs and goals of the students we serve. We believe literacy is the foundation for lasting change — not just for individuals, but for families and entire communities.

Our culture is built on compassion, empowerment, and a belief in every learner’s potential. We foster respect, belonging, and high expectations.

We honor the diverse stories our students bring and champion their journeys toward personal growth, career readiness, and lifelong learning. Literacy changes lives. Together we are building a stronger future, one student at a time.

In our service area of Allen, Adams, and Wells Counties, more than 55,000 adults lack a high school degree or basic English proficiency, yet only 4% are enrolled in a literacy program. TLA partners with employers and workforce organizations to close this gap, offering direct pathways into training and family sustaining careers.

Impact

Since 1972, The Literacy Alliance has helped 16,000+ adults improve their skills to work, live, and raise their families, including 2,200+ who earned their high school equivalency diploma with us.

History

The Literacy Alliance traces back to the 1970s Fort Wayne Literacy Council and Northeast Indiana Literacy Coalition, which merged in 1988 to form Three Rivers Literacy Alliance. Over the following decades, the organization expanded through new learning centers, workforce partnerships, and family literacy programs, shortening its name to The Literacy Alliance in 2004.

In 2021, TLA absorbed the Allen County Education Partnership and its Project Reads tutoring program, expanding services to early readers. This merger led to a full rebrand in 2022, renaming programs for clarity: pre-HSE became Project Build, HSE became Project Graduate, ELL became Project Connect, and employer-based services became Project Aim.