KINGMAN – After starting the Kingman Area Literacy Program (KALP) seven years ago, director Chris Meisenheimer is retiring. “I started this program because teaching people to read is one of the best ways to lift them out of poverty,” said Meisenheimer. “Literacy’s value cannot be underestimated.”
KALP tutors provide free tutoring to people of all ages, abilities and needs. Tutors have helped students with reading, writing, math, GED, English as a second language, and citizenship tests. Students and tutors identify goals together and meet in public spaces to work on those goals.
Meisenheimer is leaving the program in the hands of Erin Roper, a former KALP tutor and the librarian at Mohave Community College’s Neal Campus in Kingman. “I’m very excited to pick up where Chris left off,” said Roper. “As someone who struggled to learn to read and write as a kid, I know firsthand how empowering it is when those skills click.” Roper hopes to expand the program to include virtual tutoring, not only in light of COVID-19 precautions, but also as a way to include tutors and students with transportation or mobility concerns.
To sign up for tutoring or volunteer with KALP, visit www.kalpkingman.org, email KingmanReads@gmail.com or call 928-421-2367.
