Fast Facts on Literacy

Fast Facts on Literacy
from the National Institute for Literacy

FACT:

More than 20% of adults read at or below a fifth grade level- far below the level needed to earn a living wage. The National Adult Literacy Survey found that over 40 million Americans age 16 and older have significant literacy needs.

FACT- Literacy and Children:

As the education level of adults improves, so does their children’s success in school. Helping low-literate adults improve their basic skills has a direct and measurable impact on both the education and quality of life of their children.

FACT- Literacy and poverty:

43% of people with the lowest literacy skills live in poverty.
17% of people with the lowest literacy skills receive food stamps
70% of people with the lowest literacy skills have no full or part time job.
Workers who lack a high school diploma earn a mean monthly income of $452 compared to $1,829 for those with a college degree.

FACT - Efforts to promote literacy:

The federal government provided $361 million dollars for adult education programs in 1996. This funding enables millions of families to participate in basic education programs that help people help themselves.

FACT - Local Literacy:

FACT- Humboldt Literacy Center can help:

The Humboldt Literacy Center
215 Fourth Street
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 445 3655
humlit@eurekawebs.com