Family Learning Institute (FLI)

Mission: To provide all students, regardless of life circumstances, the chance to deserve the change to forge the skills they need to build the lives they dream.

The Family Learning Institute (FLI) is a community-based, volunteer-driven nonprofit committed to closing the academic achievement gap in Washtenaw County. Founded in 1999 by local educators and organizers, FLI was created to provide sustained support for students in grades 2–5 from economically challenged families. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to develop the literacy and math skills necessary to build the life they dream.

FLI offers free, weekly one-on-one tutoring in reading and math for students who are at least one grade level behind. Trained volunteer coaches follow individualized lesson plans tailored to each child’s school-based assessments. In addition to tutoring, students participate in group writing sessions, access a lending library, and take home free books to encourage reading at home. FLI also provides summer learning programs to prevent academic regression. Each year, more than 80% of students improve their reading by at least one grade level, helping to close the achievement gap and boost long-term academic success.