At the Richardson Adult Literacy Center, we help people who don’t speak English as their first language improve their communication skills so they can feel confident and take an active role in their communities.
A community is only as strong as the individuals who live within it.
📘 Brief History
RALC is the longest-running community organization offering free English as a Second Language (ESL) services in Northern Dallas County. It was founded in 1990 by members of Altrusa and the Junior League of Richardson, along with the Richardson Public Library and local residents. They came together after seeing that the community was becoming more diverse and that more people needed help learning English.
🌎 Why we are here
Imagine not being able to talk to your child’s teacher, understand a doctor, or speak with your neighbors. Now imagine trying to apply for a job but not being able to explain your skills or fill out the application. That’s the reality for thousands of adult immigrants and refugees in our community.
The Richardson Adult Literacy Center helps by offering English classes at all levels—from beginner to advanced. These classes are taught by trained volunteer teachers at locations across the area. Last year, over 1,000 adults enrolled in RALC classes, and 98% said they made progress toward a personal goal thanks to learning English.
👨👩👧👦 Who we serve
The Richardson Adult Literacy Center (RALC) helps adults in Richardson and nearby North Texas communities learn English so they can fully participate in everyday life. Thousands of adults in our area don’t speak English well—or at all—which makes it harder for them to find jobs, apply for citizenship, help their children with school, or feel connected to their community.
Most of the people we serve are immigrants or non-native English speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. Our students vary in age, race, gender, sexual orientation, and physical ability. We work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone feels supported as they learn.
❤ HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US
Every day, adults come to RALC ready to learn English so they can support their families, find better jobs, and be part of their communities. But demand is growing, and many of our classes now have waiting lists.
To keep up, we need your help.
You can make a difference by donating toward our $50,000 goal for North Texas Giving Day. Your gift will help provide English classes for adults working hard to build better lives—for themselves, their families, and our community.
Mission
The Richardson Adult Literacy Center (RALC) transforms lives and communities by providing exceptional and easily accessible English as a Second Language (ESL) and workforce readiness programs to ESL adult learners in Richardson and surrounding North Texas communities.
Needs
Help RALC Raise $50,000 to Empower Adult Learners Through English!
At Richardson Adult Literacy Center (RALC), we believe in the power of English to transform lives. Every day, adult students come to us eager to learn English so they can support their families, contribute to their communities, and thrive in the workplace. But the demand is outpacing our resources—there are waiting lists for nearly every class we offer.
This North Texas Giving Day, we're raising $50,000 to meet this growing need and fund four critical initiatives:
Core English Classes ($25,000) – From foundational literacy to advanced Level 4, our classes provide essential skills for students who are ready to work, parent, and participate more fully in daily life.
Student Advisory Council & Community Outreach ($5,000) – We empower student voices and strengthen our community connections through leadership, feedback, and service opportunities.
Career Bridge Program ($10,000) – This program connects students to job readiness training and career pathways—turning English skills into economic mobility.
Tutoring Program Expansion ($10,000) – One-on-one and small-group tutoring gives students the support they need to succeed, especially those with the greatest barriers.
Every dollar helps us reach more students—and every student we reach is one more person equipped to learn, communicate, and give back.
Help us say “yes” to every student who wants to learn.
Equity Statement
At the Richardson Adult Literacy Center (RALC), we believe equitable access to education is a fundamental right and a catalyst for personal and community growth. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where all adults—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, language background, religion, or ability—can learn, thrive, and lead empowered lives. Equity shapes every aspect of our work—because at RALC, it’s not just a value, it’s a daily commitment.