Early Learning Coalition of Polk County

READ Lakeland, founded in 1995, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Lakeland community by teaching basic literacy skills to adult non-readers. With over 100 volunteers, they provide free one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction to help adults improve their literacy skills, enabling them to read medical instructions, fill out job applications, and read to their children. The organization’s efforts have led to significant achievements, including students obtaining their GED, enrolling in postsecondary education, and passing the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE). Through initiatives like their annual fundraiser, KISS THE PIG, READ Lakeland continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals seeking to improve their literacy and overall quality of life. Generated from the website

The Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc. ( LRC ) was founded by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, Inc in 1975 to help students by providing personalized supplemental education programs and consulting services for parents. At that time it was known as the Learning Disabilities Center and its primary purpose was to serve students with specific learning disabilities and provide support for their parents. The name changed in 1977, as programs for the learning disabled grew in the public school system, and LRC expanded its services to help all students maximize their learning potential. From its humble beginnings as a small volunteer group working in borrowed space, LRC today has over 400 certified teachers who provide countywide services to over 3, 000 students ages five through adult.