Our Director

We are excited to welcome Colleen Kucinski as the new Executive Director of The Literacy Project! Her tenure began on July 1, 2023. Welcome, Colleen!

Colleen has dedicated her career to promoting access and equity in education. She has a deep commitment to the rural communities of Western Massachusetts and to helping adults of all ages improve their lives through education. In Colleen’s words, “I chose to devote my career to education because I deeply believe it is the mechanism by which lives are changed for the better and a more equitable world is created.”

Colleen brings more than 25 years of experience to her role at the helm of The Literacy Project. She worked for 18 years at Greenfield Community College, where she served in a variety of leadership roles, including Director of Admissions. For the past 8 years, Colleen has worked at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, where her most recent position was Director of Education Impact and Partnerships.

Colleen is enthusiastic about her new role at The Literacy Project: “I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of an amazing  organization with such a dedicated group of staff and teachers!”

The feeling is mutual! “We feel lucky to have found a professional with a passion for empowering and deeply respecting adult learners, with an impressive education background, who is deeply familiar with Western MA communities and peer nonprofits, and the opportunities and challenges of our cities and rural towns.,” commented Marjorie Senechal, Co-Chair of The Literacy Project’s Board of Directors.

Outgoing ED Judith Roberts agrees: “I am so pleased to leave The Literacy Project in Colleen Kucinski’s capable hands. I know that with continued community support, our dedicated teaching staff, our courageous adult students, and Colleen at the helm, The Literacy Project will continue to thrive.”

Feel free to be in touch and introduce yourself to Colleen! She can be reached at ckucinski@literacyproject.org.

Our Students

Students at The Literacy Project are courageous adults who are ready to turn their lives around by returning to school for the basics.  You can read and watch their stories on the Our Stories page and in this video.

Our Mission

The Literacy Project provides adult basic education programs and opportunities that support participants to engage meaningfully and equitably in the economic, social, cultural and civic life of their communities. 

Our History

The Literacy Project is an independent nonprofit, founded in 1984 by Dr. Lindy Whiton, Jim Vaughan, and Phil Rabinowitz.  For more on our history and some photos from the past, click here. 

Board of Directors

The Literacy Project is a 501(c)3 organization, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.  For a current listing of the Officers and Board Members of The Literacy Project, click here. 

Staff Directory

For a list of Literacy Project staff members and their contact information, click here.