Funding for adult and family literacy programs, which are supported by federal, state, and local governments, is significantly lower compared to funding for other education initiatives. When we compare the combined funding for adult literacy programs to other educational areas, the disparities become evident:

  • Adult literacy funding is less than one-twentieth of the funding allocated to higher education.
  • It’s less than one-tenth of the funding allocated to K-12 education.
  • Adult literacy funding amounts to less than one-eighth of the funding allocated to Head Start programs.
  • It’s less than one-twelfth of the funding allocated to Early Head Start programs.

Moreover, while public funding ensures education for all youth between the ages of 5 and 16, adult literacy programs, despite the combined efforts of local, state, and federal funding, only reach a mere 3 million out of 93 million adults who could benefit from such services, addressing just three percent of the adult population in need. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that waiting lists have become the norm for basic education, secondary education, and English language learning for adults.

The Issue at Hand

It’s imperative to recognize the urgent need for additional funding for adult education and literacy programs to meet the growing demand for services and eliminate waiting lists. Increased funding for these programs would yield several benefits:

  • Enhancing the economy by equipping today’s workers with the necessary skills to secure jobs or undergo retraining.
  • Assisting immigrants in improving their English proficiency, thereby integrating them more fully into American society.
  • Contributing to the nation’s overall health.
  • Combating crime and poverty.
  • Increasing civic engagement.
  • Empowering parents to become their child’s first and most important teacher.

Without a substantial increase in funding, adult education and literacy programs will continue to struggle to meet the needs of those seeking their services.

What Needs to Be Done

It’s imperative to raise awareness of adult education issues on a national scale, expand access to adult education services, promptly reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act, and prioritize adult education and family literacy as integral components of the solution to address national priorities.