Adult Education & Family Literacy Week (September 24-30, 2017) reminds us that literacy plays a vital role in the educational achievement, economic success and health of families. As many as 36 million American adults struggle to read, write, perform daily math and use technology above a third grade level.
By designating September 24-30 as national AEFL Week, LVR and other literacy organizations are seeking to raise public awareness about the impact of adult education and family literacy in order to expand access to basic education programs for low-literate adults.
Consider the following facts on the National Impact of Literacy:
- A mother’s reading level is the single greatest determinant of a child’s success
- Low literacy costs an estimated $230 billion in annual healthcare costs
- Women with low literacy are twice as likely as men to earn less than $300 a week
- Minimum wage workers increased wages by $18 to $25 within 18 months of exiting an adult education program
- Low literate adults are less likely to vote or join community groups
A total of 3.4 million New York State residents are either functionally illiterate but fewer than 10% are receiving help for their literacy needs.
Low literacy affects every area of life, in New York State, and throughout the U.S.
- 43% of adults with the lowest literacy skills live in poverty
- 50% of the chronically unemployed are functionally illiterate
- 76% of adults on public assistance are low-literate
- 75% of prisoners fall into the lowest two levels of literacy
- 85% of juvenile offenders have reading problems
Literacy Volunteers of Rochester is a leader in the cause of literacy. Our English language, math, Family Literacy and Digital Literacy programs are tackling core challenges confronting the Rochester community. Here’s how you can help:
