Teton Literacy Center (TLC) began in 1992 in response to the need for basic literacy support in Teton County. A local woman admitted she had never learned to read and two caring community members formed a volunteer agency that wrote to the federal government seeking VISTA grant monies to establish the program. Initially serving one adult literacy client in the first year, by 1999 TLC served 100 clients. More programs were installed to assist those with various literacy needs. Classes for adult English language learners became a vital part of TLC, as well as literacy tutoring for children and youth. The I Can! Poetry Project started in 2000, bringing together local artists and students in a district-wide writing and performance project.

With the mission of changing lives through the power of literacy, TLC is constantly responding to community need and implementing new ideas. After the most recent strategic planning initiative, TLC chose to focus on family literacy. TLC currently has early literacy, children's, and youth programs, serving children birth through 12th grade and their families.

VISION: a 100% literate community

A literate community is one in which members have the literacy skills necessary to not only function, but to thrive. In a 100% literate community,

• Every child will graduate and have the knowledge, skills, problem solving ability, and lifelong learning attitudes to become contributing members of our society.
  
• Every parent will have the knowledge, awareness, and skills to actively support their child(ren)’s education and literacy development.
• Every adult will have the knowledge, skills, awareness, and attitudes that enable them to envision, pursue, and achieve their goals.