What is Literacy?

“An individual’s ability to read, write, speak in English proficiently, to compute and solve problems, and to use technology in order to become a life-long learner and to be effective in the family, in the workplace, and in the community.” (Former Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc.)

A Silent Crisis in the U.S.

• Functional Illiteracy...Over 30 million U.S. adults (age 16 and older) read below 4th grade level.
• High School "Pushouts"...Poor performing students are being "let go" by schools to reduce their failure rates in the face of school reform standards. Most lack basic literacy and numeracy skills needed to succeed in GED programs.
• Learning Disabilities...50% to 80% of all students in literacy and basic education programs have learning disabilities.
• Low Literacy and Businesses...50% of Fortune 500 companies underwrite basic skills education at an annual cost of $300 million per year.

Sources: National Assessment of Adult Literacy; The Number of Functionally Illiterate Adults in the U.S. Is Growing, and U.S. Adult Literacy Programs: Making a Difference ProLiteracy America, 2003

A Silent Crisis in Our Backyard

Approximately 20 percent of adults (age 16 and older) in Hillsborough County read below 4th grade level.

• Tampa - 28%
• Plant City - 25%
• Town n Country - 16%
• Brandon - 11%
• Temple Terrace - 11%
• Lutz - 9%

Source: Florida Literacy Coalition, 2003