Leveling up their literacy

GREEN BAY – On Tuesday, April 8, Literacy Green Bay will hold its first in-person Trivia Bee, hosted by nine-time “Jeopardy!” champ Ben Chan.

The event — a spring fundraiser for Literacy Green Bay — will take place at Stadium View from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

“We really wanted to take the opportunity to do something different this year, and everyone loves trivia,” said Literacy Green Bay Director of Development Lauren Waters. “It will be a fun and lighthearted night.”

The event will feature three rounds of trivia led by Chan, raffle games, a buffet, a silent auction table and a speech from one of Literacy Green Bay’s English Language Learner (ELL) students, who moved to the United States from Serbia.

“His English has really improved over the last few months, and he will get to share his story. That’s typically the most powerful aspect of the evening because you get to see first-hand what Literacy Green Bay does and how students are impacted,” said Waters. “He’s going to get up in front of everyone and talk about why he came from Serbia to United States, his troubles along the way and how our staff has helped him feel more comfortable.”

Proceeds from the event will help fund ELL classes as well as the nonprofits’ other programs, including one-on-one adult tutoring, which helps adult students learn about math, computer skills, or another topic of their choosing.
“[Tutors] get to see students get their GED, apply for the citizenship test, and become a citizen. All of these milestones become possible because of what they learned at Literacy Green Bay,” shared Waters. “A lot of students say it becomes like a second home or a safe space.”

Waters said that because many students are migrants who had to flee their home countries, it can be difficult for them to get comfortable in a new space, but the staff supports and provides resources for them to help adjust.

“Every time I sit in on one of their classes, I always tear up a little bit because they’re working so hard, and they get really proud of themselves and each other when they see improvement. We’re kind of like a one-stop shop for support and those different resources,” she said.

Waters shared that the need for volunteer tutors is always increasing, and it can be a rewarding experience for both students and volunteers.

“The ELL program has about 300 students on the waiting list, and the tutoring program also has a waiting list,” said Waters, adding that tutors don’t need any special skills or training. “We’ll give you all the tools you need to become a great tutor.”

For more information on the Trivia Bee and Literacy Green Bay, visit https://literacygreenbay.org/contact.