Literacy and Adult Education

More than 40 million adults have basic skills needs or limited proficiency in English that interfere with their ability to participate fully in work, family and community activities. Current funding reaches only 2.8 million of these adults each year and thousands more are on waiting lists.

More than 77 percent of community-based literacy programs currently report waiting lists. Adult education and literacy programs play a key role in the success of other federal programs, including job training and welfare reform. They also help parents support their children's education and ensure that businesses are able to meet their workforce needs.