Project Adult Literacy Society (PALS)

We are excited to highlight PALS-Project Adult Literacy Society as our final Charity Spotlight for 2025. Please keep reading to find out more about how PALS is changing lives through literacy in our community and how you can help support their efforts.

About PALS

For more than forty-five years, PALS – Project Adult Literacy Society has been helping adults in Edmonton change their lives through the power of literacy. What began in 1979 as a small volunteer effort has grown into a dynamic community organization dedicated to creating a city where all adults can reach their full potential through reading, writing, math, English language, and digital literacy.

“Every year PALS supports over 650 adults in gaining access to learning that works for them.”

Why Literacy is Important

At its heart, PALS believes that literacy is dignity! Every person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and participate fully in their community. Whether someone is reading to their child for the first time, applying for a new job, learning to speak English, or navigating the digital world, PALS provides low-cost one-on-one tutoring and small group programs tailored to each learner’s goals and pace. Learners are supported not only in building skills but also in finding confidence, independence, and connection.

• 1 in 3 adults in Edmonton struggle with reading and writing
• 1 in 2 adults struggle with basic math skills

Here are some simple, clear examples of how low literacy or math skills can affect everyday life:

How challenges with reading can affect daily life:

• Medication: Difficulty reading labels can make it hard to take the right dose at the right time.
• Forms & paperwork: Filling out job applications, medical forms, or rental agreements can feel overwhelming.
• Signs & instructions: Reading signs, safety notices, or instructions for appliances can be confusing.
• Helping your kids: Supporting children with homework or reading practice becomes stressful and discouraging.

How challenges with math can affect daily life:

• Shopping & budgeting: Hard to compare prices, calculate totals, or understand sales and discounts.
• Cooking: Measuring ingredients or adjusting recipes is more difficult.
• Time management: Reading schedules, planning travel time, or splitting bills can feel confusing.
• Menu ordering: Understanding prices, combos, or quantities on a menu may be challenging.

PALS Learner Stories

Every success story at PALS represents a powerful transformation. Christina, one of their digital literacy learners, once felt left behind by technology. With the support of their instructors, she learned to use her iPad, complete online forms, and communicate digitally with confidence.

Today, she proudly recommends PALS to others, saying, “Digital literacy is a necessity in today’s world, and PALS’ commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn deserves commendation.”

For more learner stories, please click here.

NEW! Youth Literacy Program

Alongside its established literacy programs, PALS is thrilled to introduce its NEW Youth Literacy Program, designed for young adults aged 18–25 who are looking for a different kind of learning.

This free, hands-on, 12-week program supports participants in building essential skills for work, life, and further education! In a more relaxed environment, learners develop essential leadership, communication, and job readiness skills while exploring their future paths.

If you want to learn more about the Youth Literacy Program or want to participate, go to Youth Literacy – Project Adult Literacy Society.

How You Can Help

PALS’ work is made possible by our dedicated volunteers who serve as mentors, leaders, and champions for learning. Over 150+ volunteers donate their time each year, supported by staff who ensure every tutor and learner has the tools to succeed. The result is a community where learning thrives and where barriers are replaced with opportunities.

Literacy affects everyone. When individuals gain skills, they not only improve their own lives, but they also strengthen families, workplaces, and communities.

You can be part of that change.

Volunteer as a tutor, donate, host a workshop, or partner with PALS to support their literacy programs in Edmonton. If you are interested in being a tutor with PALS, please go to Become a Volunteer – Project Adult Literacy Society.

If you are interested in participating or supporting PALS in a different way, please email [email protected].

If you would be interested in becoming a donor, please go to Become a Donor – Project Adult Literacy Society.

PALS recently moved into a new home at #416, 9707 110 Street NW, Edmonton AB, a bright and welcoming space overlooking the Alberta Legislature Grounds. The office is alive with the sounds of learning! Tutors and learners working together, laughter from group sessions, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from progress made one step at a time. With windows full of light and walls that reflect PALS’ signature colours, the new space embodies hope, community, and growth.

Learn more about how you can get involved at palsedmonton.ca. Together, we can make literacy possible for everyone. You can also follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up to date!

We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive! Thank you so much for PALS for their dedication and support to providing these invaluable resources to our community.