An Interview with Lijun
As a student at Penn State University and member of the State College community, I had the unique opportunity to interview a Mid-State Literacy Council student and hear first-hand about the lasting effects of the tutoring and coursework.
Lina Chung: From Student to Instructor
This week we are highlighting a special ‘graduate’ from Mid-State who is now giving her time to help others.
Our Brains Are Amazing: Part 1
In 2020, we are starting a new series for our blog about the smart technology that all of us own – our brains. We kick off with an article about the benefits of knowing a second language. Stay tuned for more in the year ahead…
Welcoming the New Year With a Look Back at 2019
What were the highlights of your 2019? For some of our students, they included finding a job, getting a driver's license, and taking the next step towards earning a higher degree.
Thank you for a Great Bookfair!
This year’s bookfair at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, November 23 was our most successful ever, thanks to you! It was a day of stories, crafts, poetry, and more.
Language Barriers in the Delivery Room
Each year more immigrants enter into the United States. In 2017, 44,525,855 immigrants resided in the United States.
Future doctor sees need for health literacy
I started volunteering at Mid-State Literacy Council because I have experienced what it is like to be on the other end of not having acquired the necessary skill to communicate effectively in a different country.
The Dream Test for Every Parent and Reading Teacher
A content young man is listening to his favorite movie. He is also listening to a repetitive sound that will be a marker to see how his brain works. A research team at Northwestern, headed by Neurobiologist Nina Kraus, has found a biomarker to predict reading success. Sounds like science fiction, right? Well listen to the research and you may be convinced.
Teacher Spotlight: Tom Hettmansperger
The tutors and teachers at Mid-State Literacy Council are from all walks of life. For one volunteer, Tom Hettmansperger, teaching has been a lifelong path.
A Pivotal Experience
Originally from New York City, State College has become my home during the completion of my B.S. degree, Global and International Studies, and Master of International Affairs degree.
The Importance of Writing
The thought of sitting down and writing can often seem scary and daunting. It’s sometimes hard to put your thoughts into words, or to craft that perfect sentence. When you’re all finished, however, there’s no feeling quite like having written something you’re proud of—something you want to share with the world.
Digital Literacy Keeps Students Up to Date
Technical skills are not only relevant to the youngest generation. While the latest gadgets are always in the hands of teenagers, everyone must adapt and learn new technology to access everything from doctor’s appointments and health insurance to job applications, online training, public services, and community information.