Literacy Facts and Links

Research consistently shows that literacy programs, for a large number of students, are a stepping stone to participation in higher-level educational programs. Partly because for many adults, a literacy program represents their first educational success after years of failure in schools. With this success, adults learn to feel comfortable in a school setting, and they gain confidence to seek higher levels of education.

Gains in literacy skills impact individuals in numerous positive ways. After participating in a literacy program, many adult students are better able to:

• Obtain a job or a better-paying job
• Be more productive employees
• Achieve independence without relying on welfare
• Lead healthier lives
• Manage their health
• Access quality health care when needed
• Achieve success in society without resorting to criminal activity
• Ensure that children succeed in school
• Raise healthier children who are less likely to be socially alienated
• Engage in responsible family planning and bear healthier children
• Have a positive self-image
• Exercise their rights as U.S. citizens