For 55 years, Washtenaw Literacy has been a cornerstone of our community, providing free literacy support to adults building the skills necessary to realize their full potential. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary,  we are excited to launch the Emerald Awards—a new tradition that honors the individuals and organizations whose leadership and commitment have fundamentally expanded access to learning, opportunity, thriving, and connection in our county.

In Washtenaw County, more than 30,000 adults experience low literacy, making basic challenges of everyday life—from seeking healthcare to applying for jobs—even more difficult.  As the only organization  in the county providing free, individualized tutoring in reading, writing, math, and digital literacy for both ESL and native English speakers, Washtenaw Literacy serves as an essential bridge to opportunity.  Our work is made possible entirely  through the support of our local community; we receive no federal or state funding. We do this because we believe that literacy is not just a skill, but a basic human right and the foundation for a just, equitable, and inclusive community.

Washtenaw Literacy’s Emerald Awards recognize the facets of our community—the leaders, organizations, businesses, and institutions—that demonstrate the resilience, growth, and compassion symbolized by the emerald. These awards shine a spotlight on those who exemplify the mission through advocacy, corporate citizenship, and personal trailblazing.  By honoring these champions, we celebrate the collective impact of a community that values lifelong learning and shares a vision of thriving for all.

On behalf of Washtenaw Literacy’s Board of Directors and our honorary event chair, Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, President of Washtenaw Community College, we invite you to join us as a corporate sponsor for the inaugural Emerald Awards Celebration  on Thursday, April 16, 2026. The event  will be held at Washtenaw Community College’s Morris Lawrence Building from 6pm-9pm.

Your sponsorship is more than a marketing opportunity; it is a direct investment in the economic and social health of our region. By becoming a sponsor, you are helping to open new worlds for hundreds of learners and ensuring that every resident has the support they need to thrive. 

In the link below you will find a range of sponsorship levels, each offering prominent recognition and the opportunity to celebrate alongside the leaders shaping our community's future. Thank you for your commitment to a more literate and equitable Washtenaw County.

Your support of Washtenaw Literacy and the  Emerald Awards recognizes the leadership of those who are, like you, invested in ensuring that our community and the people who live here shine ever brighter. 

EMERALD AWARDS SPONSORSHIPS & Tickets