Corporate teams will compete at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at PECO headquarters at 23rd and Market streets in a spelling bee to raise money for the Community Learning Center, a nonprofit that, among other things, teaches adults to read and write for free.
Steven Brown, CLC's director of engagement and advancement, says many adults come out of high school reading at only a third- or fourth- or fifth-grade level.
"I would say at least 25 to 30 percent of adults in Philadelphia do not have the basic literacy skills that they need to pass a high school equivalency test or be able to gain employment," Brown said.
He says CLC does more than prepare adults to pass a GED test. It provides career coaches to help with resumes and job interviews. Brown says CLC hopes to bring in $20,000 to $25,000 with this spelling bee, which is intended to be annual.
Actor Johnny Hobbs will be the master of ceremonies for the event.