t is estimated that one in five adults in California struggles with
reading, such that they would be unable to handle basic literacy tasks.
Project Second Chance was founded in 1984 to help tackle this problem.
Since that time, PSC has helped more than 6,000 county residents develop
skills to read to their children, vote, advance at work, write to family
and friends, read the newspaper, follow directions, acquire their high
school diploma, and perhaps most significantly of all, feel better about
themselves.

Tutoring is done by PSC-trained community volunteers who meet one-on-one
with their students for an hour and a half, twice a week, at times and
public locations convenient to both.

PSC serves all of the communities in the Contra Costa County library
system. Tutoring takes place at public locations throughout the county.

PSC tutors are 21 years of age or older and are comfortable with their
reading, writing, and spelling skills. No degrees or diplomas are
necessary, and no tests are required. Good tutors are empathetic, patient,
able to give clear directions, and willing to learn new skills
themselves.

Tutors must complete PSC’s 14-hour basic training program. An additional
6 hours of training is required of tutors who choose to work with students
with a learning disability. After training, tutors meet one-on-one with
their students for 90 minutes, twice a week, at times and places
convenient to both. In addition to working one-on-one, tutors and students
can participate in small group workshops and practice their skills in the
PSC Computer Learning Centers in our Pleasant Hill, Antioch, and Hercules
offices. PSC requests a one-year commitment.

The information above can be found on the official website of Project Second Chance. For more details about the organization and to find out how you can volunteer, please visit their website: http://ccclib.org/psc