The National Coalition for Literacy’s Leadership Awards acknowledges individuals and organizations for their remarkable contributions to advancing literacy in the United States. These awards recognize recipients who have displayed exceptional dedication and commitment to literacy, consistently supporting literacy initiatives at the local, state, and national levels throughout their careers. The 2015 honorees have recently been announced, continuing the tradition of celebrating literacy champions.

Here are some past recipients of the award:

2012:

  • Senator Jim Webb
  • David Baldacci, author and founder of the Wish You Well Foundation
  • Ruth J. Colvin, Founder of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse and Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. (now ProLiteracy)
  • The Save Adult Ed Campaign, a Los Angeles-based adult education advocacy group

2011:

  • Representative Jared Polis
  • John Corcoran, former adult literacy student and founder of the John Corcoran Foundation
  • The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, representing the National Literacy*AmeriCorps program
  • U.S.A. Learns

2010:

  • Senator Thomas Harkin
  • Representative John Yarmuth
  • Kentucky Education Television (KET)
  • McDonald’s English Under the Arches program
  • Archie Willard, Adult Learner Advocate and Leader

2009:

  • Representative Raúl Grijalva
  • Senator Patricia Murray
  • Home Safety Council President Meri-K Appy
  • Brenda Dann-Messier, President and CEO of Dorcas Place
  • Calvin Miles, Adult Learner and Advocate
  • Gretchen Wilson, Recording Artist and GED Graduate

2008:

  • Representative Rubén Hinojosa
  • Better World Books
  • The National Council of La Raza
  • Dr. John Comings, former Director of the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education

2007:

  • Representative Michael Castle
  • Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
  • David A. Perdue Jr., former Chairman and CEO of Dollar General
  • Dr. Irwin Kirsch, Director of the Center for Global Assessment, Educational Testing Service
  • The UPS Foundation

2006:

  • The American Library Association (ALA)
  • Senator Olympia Snowe
  • Representative Dale Kildee
  • Andy Brown, former Executive Director of Public Affairs and Policy Communications at Verizon
  • Jackie Taylor, a Tennessee-based volunteer literacy advocate

2005:

  • Representative William F. Goodling
  • Senator Edward M. Kennedy
  • The Dollar General Literacy Foundation
  • Art Ellison, New Hampshire State Director of Adult Education
  • Garrett Murphy, Former New York State Director of Adult Education

These recipients exemplify the spirit of dedication and passion for literacy, contributing significantly to the advancement of literacy efforts across the nation.