Many of the program's clients have had little or no reading experience. Some are new to the country, and though they may be able to read and write in their native languages, they have little or no knowledge of the English language. Each team, consisting of one volunteer tutor and one client, meets in the basement of the School of Education building. Since its founding in 1976, the center has helped over 1,300 people learn to read. Another important focus of the literacy program is to give students tutoring experience.
Several openings are currently available for any student with an interest in teaching or training.
The new schoolyear has brought changes to the Head Start program, which serves lower income families in Des Moines. The Head Start program now features several computers, which help children with their literacy skills. Parents also receive training. Murr said the literary program faces an increasingly important role as the issue of literacy becomes more prominent. The literacy center reopened Sept. 8.