Project READ Literacy Network
Project READ Literacy Network is a Kitchener, Ontario non-profit founded in 1988 that coordinates adult and family literacy programs across the Waterloo-Wellington region, funded primarily by Employment Ontario and operating a 25+ organization partner network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1988
- HeadquartersKitchener, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Project READ Literacy Network does
Project READ Literacy Network (PRLN) is a Canadian non-profit organization founded in 1988 and headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, that operates as the regional literacy support organization for the Waterloo-Wellington area. It functions in a dual capacity: as a direct provider of adult literacy assessments, family literacy programs (notably Get Set Learn), workplace education services, and practitioner training, and as a coordinator of a network of more than 25 associate organizations — including colleges, school boards, employment services, libraries, and specialized literacy agencies — that deliver programs across the region.
Its core products are people- and curriculum-based rather than technology-based. Direct offerings include the Get Set Learn family literacy program (with in-person, outdoor, online, and newcomer variants), adult Skills Upgrading assessments and referrals, employer services (Clear Language, Workplace Literacy, Bridges Out of Poverty), and a Moodle-based online training platform (training.projectread.ca) hosting fee-based GSL Family Literacy Training/Certification and Soft Skills Solutions facilitator workshops. Supporting outputs include a searchable Directory of Programs and a publications library for practitioners.
PRLN's business model is grant-and-fee hybrid typical of regional Employment Ontario service providers. The primary revenue stream is government funding from the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario via the Employment Ontario / Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities channel, supplemented by modest fee revenue from practitioner training ($200-$575 per participant), donations through CanadaHelps, and community fundraising events such as the annual Reading Rumble book trivia night. Adult learner programs are delivered free; only practitioner training and select fee-for-service events generate direct revenue. Customer segments span adults seeking skills upgrading, families with young children, newcomers, youth, employers, and literacy practitioners across Waterloo-Wellington.
Project READ Literacy Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Project READ Literacy Network
- Legal name
- Project READ Literacy Network
- Website
- https://projectread.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1988
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Project READ Literacy Network is a Kitchener, Ontario non-profit founded in 1988 that coordinates adult and family literacy programs across the Waterloo-Wellington region, funded primarily by Employment Ontario and operating a 25+ organization partner network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Project READ Literacy Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Adult and Family Literacy Services
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (61171)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Foundational Reading & Writing Literacy (EDAAAAAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Family Literacy (Parent/Child & Intergenerational) (EDAAAAAE), Reading & Writing (Literacy) Materials (EDAGAHAC), Reading Comprehension & Close Reading Enrichment (EDAMAJAB)
Keywords
Where Project READ Literacy Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kitchener
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Project READ Literacy Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Government Funding (Employment Ontario): As an Employment Ontario service provider, PRLN receives government funding in part from the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario to deliver literacy and essential skills training programs.
- Program Fees: Some practitioner training programs (GSL Family Literacy Training at $375/person, GSL Certification at $575/person, Soft Skills Solutions Facilitator Training at $200/person) are fee-based. Other community programs are offered free to learners.
- Donations and Fundraising: Project READ raises funds through events such as the annual Reading Rumble book trivia fundraiser, portrait marathon, and direct donations via CanadaHelps.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free Adult Literacy Programs |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | GSL Family Literacy Training |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | GSL Family Literacy Certification |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Soft Skills Solutions Facilitator Training |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Project READ Literacy Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Project READ Literacy Network is a community-based non-profit that delivers free adult literacy, family literacy, and essential skills upgrading programs across the Waterloo-Wellington region, while also coordinating a 25+ organization associate network and providing fee-based practitioner training and workplace literacy services. It operates as an Employment Ontario service provider funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
Product overview
Project READ Literacy Network (PRLN) is a community-based literacy support organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs and services for adult and family literacy in Waterloo-Wellington, Ontario. Founded in 1988, it operates as both a direct service provider and a regional network coordinator. Its core direct offerings include the Get Set Learn (GSL) family literacy program (with variants for in-person, outdoor, online, and newcomer audiences) and the Get SET Skills Upgrading adult literacy program, both supported by skills assessments and employer services. PRLN also offers practitioner training through its Moodle-based online platform, including GSL Family Literacy Training/Certification, Soft Skills Solutions (SSS) facilitator workshops, and Bridges Out of Poverty training. A searchable Directory of Programs serves as a hub connecting community members to partner organizations offering ESL, employment training, libraries, youth programs, and online learning. Publications and resources round out the offering for practitioners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Get Set Learn (GSL): Family literacy program for parents and children ages 0-6 years, including in-person, online, outdoor, and specialized newcomer versions.
- Soft Skills Solutions (SSS)
Products and services
- Get Set Learn (GSL) Get Set Learn is a free family literacy program for parents and children aged 0-6, delivered through fun 8-week sessions (in-person, outdoor, online, and newcomer-specific variants) that build early literacy skills through storytime, songs, hands-on learning, and parent education.
- Family Learning and Fun Nights Fee-for-service 1.5-hour family literacy activity sessions offered to elementary schools in Waterloo Region, bringing families into schools for literacy-focused family engagement events.
- GSL Family Literacy Training and Certification Online training and certification program for practitioners who want to learn about family literacy or deliver the Get Set Learn program at their own agency. Includes 18-hour training ($375 per person) and 24-hour certification with practicum ($575 per person).
- Skills Upgrading Program (Assessments and Services) Adult literacy skills reviews and educational assessments (Employment Skills Assessment and Educational Skills Review) that identify skill levels, support training plans, and provide referrals to local programs; also delivered to businesses and non-profits.
- Get SET (Skills, Education and Training) Hub program connecting adults to a wide range of free learning programs including 1-to-1 tutoring, small groups, pre-employment skills, high school equivalency prep, digital literacy certification, and mobile computer lab training across Waterloo-Wellington.
- Clear Language Services Business service that helps employers identify workforce literacy needs through organizational needs assessments and information packages, and facilitates worker referrals to literacy programs.
- Workplace Literacy On-site workplace literacy and education programs facilitated by Project READ to improve worker skills, health and safety awareness, productivity, and employer-worker relations.
- Bridges Out of Poverty Training Strength-based 3-hour workshop for practitioners working with people living in poverty, covering mental models of class, hidden rules of poverty vs. middle class, and strategies for building resources at individual, organizational, and community levels.
- Soft Skills Solutions (SSS) 25-30 hour employability skills training program for youth and adults covering five units: Workplace Communications, Teamwork, Personal Management, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking, and Professional and Skills Development. A paid facilitator certification workshop is offered for $200 per person, with refresher training at $100 per person (minimum 10 people).
- Directory of Programs Online searchable directory (also available as downloadable PDF) listing literacy, education, employment, ESL, library, and online learning programs across Waterloo-Wellington, with partner organization logos and direct links to each provider.
- Publications and Resources Free downloadable practitioner resources and curriculum guides developed by Project READ, covering adult literacy delivery, numeracy, Essential Skills, family literacy, diabetes self-management, apprenticeship pathways, and newcomer support.
- Online Training Platform Moodle-based e-learning platform hosting the GSL Family Literacy Training and Certification courses with PayPal enrollment and facilitation by Nadia Muhammad.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reading Rumble 2025 raised $12,737 for literacy programs
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Project READ Literacy Network
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Project READ Literacy Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Project READ Literacy Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
28 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Government of CanadacorePrimary funder through Employment Ontario co-funding, providing the bulk of program financing for adult literacy and skills training services.
- Government of OntariocorePrimary funder through Employment Ontario and Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, co-funding literacy and basic skills programs.
- Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)majorOTF has provided grants to PRLN, with recognition entries for 2012, 2015, and 2016.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship CanadamajorFunds LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) classes offered through associate organizations like St. Louis Adult Learning Centre.
- Action Read Community Literacy Centre (Guelph)coreKey associate partner delivering adult literacy programs and the Early Start Family Literacy Program. Located at 8 Cork Street East, Guelph.
- Conestoga CollegecoreAssociate partner providing Academic Upgrading, ESU (Essential Skills Upgrading), and Community Career Centre employment services across Cambridge, Guelph, Waterloo and surrounding areas.
- KW HabilitationcoreAssociate partner providing youth employment programs (YEP), KW Career Compass, LEG Up!, and employment supports for adults with disabilities.
- The Literacy Group of Waterloo RegioncoreAssociate partner providing 1-to-1 tutoring and small group instruction in reading, writing, math, computers and workplace essential skills across Waterloo Region.
- St. Louis Adult Learning & Continuing Education Centre (WCDSB)coreAssociate partner providing secondary school credits, ESL/LINC programs, School-to-Work skills training (PSW, Culinary, Hairstyling), and Core Essentials across Kitchener.
- Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB)coreAssociate partner providing ESL/LINC programs in Guelph and Wellington County, and Skills Upgrading Programs in Fergus, Guelph, and Mount Forest.
- YMCA of Three RiverscoreProvides language assessment referrals and LINC/ESL services for newcomers in the Waterloo-Wellington region.
- Region of WaterloomajorEmployment Ontario service provider offering employment support services. PRLN coordinates with Region of Waterloo on the Directory of Programs.
- Cambridge Career Connections (John Howard Society)coreEmployment Ontario service provider delivering free employment programs for job seekers and employers in Cambridge and North Dumfries.
- Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW)coreEmployment services for persons with disabilities, supporting job seekers and employers in Cambridge, Guelph, and Kitchener.
- Cambridge Public LibrarycorePartner providing adult and family library programs, early literacy programming, and free internet access across multiple branches in Cambridge.
- Kitchener Public LibrarycorePartner providing adult literacy collections, family literacy programs, ESL conversation circles, computer programs, and career help across multiple branches in Kitchener.
- Waterloo Public LibrarycorePartner providing career resources, library settlement programs, tech help, adult literacy collections, and early literacy programming in Waterloo.
- Wellington County Learning CentrecorePartner providing digital literacy, CAEC preparation, youth programs, and literacy/numeracy assessments for Wellington County.
- Kinbridge Community AssociationcorePartner providing newcomer employment outreach, resume support, interview coaching, and group workshops in Cambridge.
- March of Dimes Canada — SkillingUp ProgramminorVirtual digital skills training program for people with disabilities or employment barriers, listed in PRLN's Directory of Programs.
- 2nd Chance Employment Counselling (Wellington)minorYouth employment program (ways2work) for youth up to age 30 in Guelph and Wellington County.
- Starling Community Services (Lutherwood)corePartner providing Getting Ahead in the Workplace program for youth (15-30) and employment services in Kitchener and Cambridge.
- Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development BoardmajorDeveloped and owns Soft Skills Solutions© curriculum. PRLN is licensed to deliver SSS Facilitator Training in Southwestern Ontario. Only trainers certified by SMWDB can deliver this training.
- Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington DufferinmajorCollaborated on Virtual Job Search: Skills for Success manual and Are Soft Skills the New Hard Skills research publication.
- ABC Life Literacy CanadamajorNational literacy organization that awarded PRLN's Get Set Learn program with the Literacy Innovation Award (Honourable Mention) in 2016 and 2021.
- Peel Halton Dufferin Adult Learning NetworkminorCollaborated on the Enhancing Pathways project (Phases 1 and 2) to improve literacy and language service coordination.
- Learning Networks of OntariominorProvincial network of literacy support organizations that PRLN participates in.
- Waterloo Region Community FoundationminorLocal foundation that appears as a supporter in PRLN's funder/sponsor acknowledgements.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Project READ Literacy Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Frontier College: Canada's largest national adult literacy nonprofit, working with volunteer tutors and community partners across provinces. Directly comparable as an adult literacy service provider with government funding and community-based delivery.
- Laubach Literacy Ontario: Ontario-focused adult literacy organization that trains volunteer tutors and supports learner-tutor matching. Comparable mission and operating model to PRLN's adult literacy and practitioner training work.
- Peel Halton Dufferin Adult Learning Network: Regional literacy support organization covering the Peel-Halton-Dufferin area. Existing PRLN collaborator on the Enhancing Pathways project and directly comparable as a peer regional literacy network in Ontario.
- St. Louis Adult Learning & Continuing Education Centre: WCDSB-run adult learning centre in Kitchener that is an existing PRLN associate partner delivering ESL/LINC, secondary school credits, and skills training. Directly comparable as a regional adult literacy and LINC service provider.
- Action Read Community Literacy Centre: Guelph-based community literacy centre that is an existing PRLN associate partner delivering adult literacy and family literacy programs. Directly comparable as a regional adult literacy service provider in the same Ontario ecosystem.
- The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region: Waterloo Region-based literacy organization offering 1-to-1 tutoring and small group instruction in reading, writing, math, and workplace essential skills. An existing PRLN associate partner with a directly overlapping service portfolio.
Broad incumbents
- ABC Life Literacy Canada: National umbrella organization that promotes adult literacy across Canada and has awarded PRLN for its Get Set Learn program. Operates more broadly at the national advocacy and grantmaking level rather than direct service delivery.
Emerging players
- NorQuest College: Alberta-based community college notable for its ESL and adult literacy programming. Comparable to PRLN's adult upgrading and LINC work, but operating as a post-secondary institution rather than a community non-profit.
Regional players
- Learning Networks of Ontario: Provincial network of regional literacy support organizations across Ontario. PRLN is a member and peer among regional literacy networks such as the Toronto, Ottawa, and Northern networks.
- Centre for Literacy (Quebec): Montreal-based adult literacy research and practitioner support organization. Comparable to PRLN in its focus on adult literacy, Essential Skills, and practitioner training, but operating in a different province.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Project READ Literacy Network social profiles
Digital presenceProject READ Literacy Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Project READ Literacy Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Project READ Literacy Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Project READ Literacy Network M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Project READ Literacy Network
What does Project READ Literacy Network do?
Project READ Literacy Network is a community-based non-profit that delivers free adult literacy, family literacy, and essential skills upgrading programs across the Waterloo-Wellington region, while also coordinating a 25+ organization associate network and providing fee-based practitioner training and workplace literacy services. It operates as an Employment Ontario service provider funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
Is Project READ Literacy Network a public or private company?
Project READ Literacy Network is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Project READ Literacy Network founded?
Project READ Literacy Network was founded in 1988. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Project READ Literacy Network based?
Project READ Literacy Network is headquartered in Kitchener, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Project READ Literacy Network make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Government Funding (Employment Ontario) is the primary driver. The others are program Fees and donations and Fundraising.
Who are Project READ Literacy Network's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Frontier College, Laubach Literacy Ontario, Peel Halton Dufferin Adult Learning Network, St. Louis Adult Learning & Continuing Education Centre, Action Read Community Literacy Centre and The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region. ABC Life Literacy Canada is listed as a broad incumbent. NorQuest College is listed as an emerging player. Regional players are Learning Networks of Ontario and Centre for Literacy (Quebec).
Does Project READ Literacy Network have an API?
No public API is recorded for Project READ Literacy Network.
What industry is Project READ Literacy Network in?
Project READ Literacy Network's product category is Adult and Family Literacy Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAAAA, Foundational Reading & Writing Literacy, with a secondary code of EDAAAAAE, Family Literacy (Parent/Child & Intergenerational). Its NAICS code is 611710 and its SIC code is 8200.