In the United States, more than 36 million adults cannot read or write above a 3rd-grade level. This lack of literacy skills affects unemployment numbers, family literacy, poverty, and incarceration rates. Literacy skills affect each one of the following areas:
- Unemployment –
- Not only do adults without a high school diploma or equivalent have the highest unemployment rates, but they also have the lowest median weekly earnings.
- Family Literacy –
- Parents’ and caregivers’ literacy skills directly affect the literacy skills of children. If parents have low literacy skills, their children are 72% more likely to have low reading levels. This leads to lower grades, more behavioral issues, and a lower possibility to lead a successful academic career.
- Poverty –
- Adults with lower literacy skills are more likely to live in poverty. 43% of adults who have the lowest literacy levels live in poverty.
- Incarceration –
- In the United States, 75% of incarcerated people did not complete high school, and ultimately have low literacy skills. On the other hand, inmates who participate in correctional education programs are 43% less likely to become repeat offenders.
The benefits of education and literacy are undeniable. The Literacy Council Gulf Coast has represented 62 countries and has helped almost 2,700 students. We offer one-on-one and group classes that are all free of charge. You don’t have to come by yourself, bring the family! We offer literacy learning for everyone, including Moms and Tots Family Literacy for mothers and their young children and Kids + Lifelong Learning for parents in Title I schools. Additionally, we offer work-site literacy programs at local golf & gated communities. Our program serves residents of Bonita Springs, San Carlos Park, Estero, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Sanibel & Naples.
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