At Blueprint Commercial, we believe strong communities are built through access to opportunity, education, and pathways to economic mobility. Our latest non-profit spotlight highlights Beyond Literacy, an organization working at the intersection of education and workforce development to empower adult learners across Philadelphia. We spoke with Executive Director Kimmell Proctor and Chief Program and Impact Officer Dawn Hannah to learn more about the organization’s work and impact.

Formed in 2021 through the merger of two long-standing organizations, Beyond Literacy is both one of the city’s newest and most established adult education providers. With roots dating back to 1968, the organization brings decades of experience to a modern, holistic approach to literacy.

Expanding Access to Education and Opportunity

Beyond Literacy serves more than 2,000 adult learners each year, offering programs that range from adult basic education and GED preparation to English language learning and digital upskilling. Their work reaches a wide spectrum of learners, from young adults seeking a second chance at a diploma to older adults continuing their education later in life.

At its core, the organization is focused on removing barriers to employment. Many learners arrive without the credentials or language proficiency required to access living-wage jobs. Through targeted instruction and workforce-aligned programming, Beyond Literacy helps bridge that gap, supporting individuals as they move from learning to earning.

Their largest program, adult basic education, supports learners in building foundational reading and math skills, often starting at an elementary level. At the same time, English language learners receive support not only to improve communication, but to navigate daily life, support their families, and pursue career opportunities.

In recent years, the organization has expanded to include digital skills training, an increasingly critical need. In parts of Philadelphia where internet access and digital literacy remain limited, Beyond Literacy is helping close the digital divide by providing both training and access to devices and connectivity.

Meeting Learners Where They Are

What sets Beyond Literacy apart is its recognition that education does not happen in isolation. Many students face significant challenges outside the classroom, including housing instability, food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and the demands of multiple jobs or caregiving responsibilities.

To address this, the organization integrates student support services into its model. From the moment a learner enrolls, staff work to identify potential barriers and connect individuals with resources, whether that means adjusting class formats, providing referrals, or offering one-on-one guidance.

While not every challenge has a clear solution, the organization remains committed to doing what it can with the resources available, continuously adapting to better serve its community.

Partnerships That Drive Impact

Collaboration is central to Beyond Literacy’s success. The organization works closely with workforce development partners, educational institutions, and corporate employers to create clear pathways from education to employment.

Programs are designed with real-world outcomes in mind, including career pathways in fields like energy and skilled trades. Through partnerships with employers and training providers, learners are able to transition into stable, middle-wage careers.

One standout example is their work supporting candidates preparing for entrance exams in the energy sector. Through targeted instruction and support, pass rates have increased dramatically, opening doors to careers that were previously out of reach for many participants.

Stories of Transformation

The impact of Beyond Literacy is best seen through the stories of its learners.

In one instance, a local business owner, now running a successful company, reconnected with the organization years after earning his GED through their program. In a full-circle moment, he returned to give back, volunteering his services to help improve a learning space that once supported him.

In another, a student determined to build a better future persisted through multiple attempts at a career entrance exam. With continued support, from academic instruction to interview preparation, he ultimately succeeded, securing a role that significantly improved his earning potential and career trajectory.

These stories are not exceptions, they reflect the resilience of Beyond Literacy’s learners and the organization’s commitment to walking alongside them every step of the way.

Why Philadelphia, Why Now

Philadelphia faces one of the highest rates of adult low literacy in the country, with hundreds of thousands of adults reading below a grade school level. At the same time, economic mobility remains a persistent challenge.

Beyond Literacy is working to change that, serving as a critical on-ramp for individuals seeking to improve their lives and contribute to the city’s workforce and future.

For many on the team, the work is deeply personal. It is about giving back to the communities that shaped them and ensuring that others have access to opportunities that were once out of reach.

Looking Ahead

Despite ongoing challenges, including funding uncertainty and shifting policy landscapes, Beyond Literacy continues to push forward. The organization is focused on expanding its reach, growing its network of partners and volunteers, and continuing to innovate in how it delivers services.

Upcoming initiatives, including public events and community partnerships, aim to further elevate the importance of adult literacy as a driver of economic opportunity.

To learn more about the organization’s reach and outcomes, Beyond Literacy’s latest Impact Report provides a deeper look at the individuals served, program growth, and measurable results across Philadelphia. The report highlights both the scale of the need and the progress being made to expand access to education and economic opportunity.

How to Get Involved

There are many ways for individuals and businesses to support Beyond Literacy’s mission:

• Volunteer as a tutor or classroom aide

• Participate in career readiness programs, including mock interviews and resume reviews

• Hire graduates or connect with workforce development initiatives

• Advocate for adult education funding and awareness

• Attend events or schedule a visit to learn more about the organization’s work

• Sponsor BeLit 250 event highlight Philadelphia's literacy leaders, the Class of 2026, and 250 years of America's story

By supporting, the broader community plays a role in building a more equitable, inclusive, and economically vibrant Philadelphia.