The Camp Verde Adult Reading Program (CVARP) is a nonprofit organization established in 1988 that provides adult education services primarily to the residents of Camp Verde and the broader Verde Valley region in Arizona. The program focuses on improving basic literacy skills, GED test preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and other educational opportunities aimed at empowering adults to improve their personal and professional lives through education[1][2][4].

Mission and Services

CVARP's mission is to offer adults in Camp Verde and the surrounding Verde Valley communities the opportunity to achieve personal goals by enhancing their reading, writing, math, technological, and life skills. The program serves individuals aged 16 or older who are no longer enrolled in traditional schooling. Their services are delivered free of charge, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity regardless of background or identity[1][2][3].

The organization provides:

• GED preparation courses to help students earn their high school equivalency diploma.
• ESL classes for various proficiency levels, including beginning conversational English, advanced English, and citizenship preparation.
• Assistance with the Armed Services Vocational Battery (ASVAB) test.
• Adult Basic Literacy (ABL) tutoring and workplace literacy support[1][2][4].

Educational Philosophy and Values

CVARP values education as a means of personal and community enrichment, stressing the importance of reading not only for educational advancement but also for recreation. The program promotes critical thinking skills developed through literacy and education. It champions freedom of learning and upholds democracy by fostering informed citizenship among its learners. The organization also prioritizes supporting children and grandchildren indirectly by educating adults, thereby contributing to community upliftment[1].

Location and Access

The program operates from the Camp Verde Community Library, providing a convenient and welcoming environment for adult learners. It functions with flexible office hours during weekdays to accommodate learners’ schedules. CVARP maintains a strict non-discrimination policy, embracing diversity and equal opportunity in both service provision and employment practices[1][2].

Community Impact

By facilitating adult education and literacy, CVARP aims to enhance the employability and life skills of its learners, enabling better participation in their families and communities. The organization’s efforts contribute to creating well-informed citizens who can engage actively in democratic processes and support future generations through improved educational outcomes[1][2][3].

This article outlines the Camp Verde Adult Reading Program’s foundational history, educational services, mission, and community role as a vital resource for adult learners in the Verde Valley area.