About MCOL: Formed in 1983, the Mayor's Commission on Literacy was the first literacy agency in the country to be established by a local governing body. While there were literacy activities underway in Philadelphia at that time, general awareness of the extent of the need was limited. To address this issue, the city had to focus attention on the literacy needs of its adults, coordinate the efforts of existing programs, and provide educational opportunities for increased numbers of adults. The MCOL was established to ensure that quality education is available to equip all adults in Philadelphia with the literacy skills necessary for the workforce, parenting, and community life.

Throughout its history the Commission has been a leader, both locally and nationally. The MCOL has spearheaded efforts in using technology to enhance adult learning, has sponsored a local forum for the National Literacy Summit 2000, and has overseen fantastic growth in the quantity and quality of learning sites and opportunities for Philadelphia adults to gain the skills necessary to meet their goals.

Perhaps the most important aspects of the MCOL’s activities are those that brought the organization into existence in the early 1980's: cooperation and collaboration. The Commission continues in this spirit to work closely with Philadelphia literacy organizations, local corporations, social service providers, government agencies, community groups, religious leaders, and adult learners to ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard.