President Donald Trump’s 2018 budget proposal includes dramatic cuts to adult education funding and the complete elimination of many vital federal programs that support adult literacy, workforce development, and human services. The scope of the cuts to The Department of Education is significant, with an overall cut of $9 billion (13%), including a $95 million cut (16%) to Adult Education and Family Literacy state grants.
36 million American adults function at low literacy levels and need the help of adult education programs that focus on their unique needs. Each year, ProLiteracy surveys its 1,000 member programs across the country. The data collected is used to measure the impact that program services have on adult literacy statistics, and to determine trends in the field.
ProLiteracy and The American Library Association (ALA) have partnered to develop a free online course to help libraries across the country integrate adult literacy services and policies to address the serious problem that in the United States there are 36 million adults who lack adequate literacy and basic skills.