About PBALC

PBALC offers services in the following areas:

English Language Learning (ELL) – Improve English language skills of adults, from beginner to advanced. Citizenship class is also available.

Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) – Encompasses fundamental reading and writing skills.

Digital Literacy (DL) – Learn to navigate computers and utilize basic software.

Our Adult Literacy Program utilizes trained volunteer instructors and professional staff to provide individualized instruction for adults, 18 years of age and older, in one-to-one, small class, and self-paced settings.

Our Mission & Vision

The mission of PBALC is to develop the literacy skills of adults so they can achieve their goals, improve their lives, and impact our community. Our vision is that all adults would be able to accomplish their learning goals, regardless of language or literacy barriers.

Our History

Permian Basin Adult Literacy Center was organized July 1, 1984 to June 30, 1985 with a one-year grant from the Texas Education Agency. Since July 1, 1985, we have been an independent organization funded from grants, donations, and the fundraising efforts of our Board of Directors. From 1984 to 2000, Midland College donated office space to PBALC on its main campus. Following a capital campaign in 2000, we moved to our own facility, the “Literacy House,” at 1709 West Wall Street in Midland, TX. In 2022, we outgrew and sold our building on Wall Street. Future plans include possibly launching a capital campaign to build a bigger and better facility. More information to come...

“The instructors are very patient here…and you feel very comfortable asking questions.” Shirley Fox

Program Offerings

One-to-one – A volunteer instructor assists one student in reaching their personal literacy goals. PBALC staff guide the pair in selecting appropriate materials and curriculum that will best help the student. One-to-one meetings take place at approved community locations and online via Zoom.

Small Group Classes – A volunteer instructor or PBALC staff member instructs a small group (6-12 students), focusing on one subject (grammar, pronunciation, general English, etc.). Classes are scheduled in two semesters (16-18 weeks at a time) during the year. Registration dates and times will be posted on the PBALC website and on the PBALC Facebook page as they are scheduled. Small group, and class meetings take place at approved community locations and online via Zoom.
Self-Paced – A PBALC student works independently on one or more of the programs licensed to PBALC. Such programs assist the student in practicing and improving their skills in a variety of areas (reading, language learning, vocabulary building, computer skills, and more). PBALC staff monitor student usage and progress, providing encouragement and support. All program offerings are designed to last one-and-a-half to three hours each week. Self-paced programs can be accessed remotely via internet-enabled devices.