More than 27 million Americans have difficulty reading, but the Story County Adult Literacy Program has been working for 12 years to help change that statistic.

The program, which has grown to 20 tutors and students from five in the first few years, is continually in search of new volunteers.

Andre Hill, literacy program coordinator, said the purpose behind the program is to give adults the opportunity to acquire skills in basic reading, speaking, writing and math in order to “participate more fully in society.”

The program offers confidential and free one-on-one tutoring for people over the age of 18 who are not enrolled in school or college.

Each volunteer meets with his or her student once or twice a week in order to work on the unique needs and individual learning goals of the student, Hill said.

Hill said any adult who is responsible, flexible in approach and respectful of individual differences can volunteer to be a tutor in the program.

“I would recommend this program to anyone who is literate, truly enjoys literacy skills and can see the benefit in helping someone else,” she said.

“A good tutor is simply someone with a caring heart who can see the value in helping to change the whole perspective of a person concerning what they can accomplish in the world,” she said.

One five-hour training session is necessary for those who wish to become tutors.

Hill said the one-student-per-tutor method is beneficial because it allows for personal, confidential learning in a flexible atmosphere.

“Students and tutors can meet practically any time that is convenient for them,” Hill said.

“They never have to follow a set schedule,” Hill said.

Des Moines Area Community College also helps out by funding a program coordinator for the Story County program and programs in 11 other counties.

Those wishing to become involved with the literacy program can contact the Ames Public Library at (515) 239-5656.