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Highlighting NCL Member Voices this Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 2026

Literacy is more than the ability to read and write. In the digital age—marked by the rise of mobile connectivity, personal computers, big data, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI)—foundational literacy skills serve as gateway skills to the multiple literacies needed for broader civic participation, employment, health, and economic mobility. The Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), defines literacy as “accessing, understanding, evaluating, and reflecting on written texts in order to achieve one’s goals, to develop one’s knowledge and potential and to participate in society.” 

For more than 40 years, the National Coalition for Literacy (NCL) has convened national organizations and individuals who are committed to advancing adult education, family literacy, and English language acquisition in the United States. NCL works to increase public awareness of adult literacy needs, promote effective public policy, and serve as an authoritative resource on national adult education issues. NCL and its members ensure that leaders and legislators make informed decisions about policies, regulations, and funding for adult education and family literacy. 

In 2009, NCL established Adult Education and Family Literacy Week (AEFL Week) in partnership with then‑Congressman Jared Polis (D‑CO), Senator Lamar Alexander (R‑TN), and Senator Patty Murray (D‑WA), creating the first-ever Congressionally‑recognized designation highlighting the importance of adult education and family literacy. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide observance each September by communities and policymakers across the country. The week provides a unique opportunity to raise public awareness, secure resources, and promote access to education for adults in need of foundational literacy, numeracy, and digital skills.

This year, AEFL Week will be celebrated September 13 – 19, 2026. In partnership with the Ohio State University, NCL has curated a set of six articles—written, submitted, reviewed, and selected by NCL volunteer members—to generate engagement in some of today’s most urgent literacy issues, from numeracy, financial and family literacy to AI literacy and durable workforce skills. Click on the titles to read the full articles.

The Power of Adult Literacy Education to Build Prosperity and Sustainability

Author(s): ProLiteracy 

The economic and social prosperity and stability of our nation—and our own local  communities—depend on the ability of adults to read, write, do basic math, and think critically. But the number of adults with skills at the lowest literacy levels continues to grow. This article reports on key findings from the Survey of Adult Skills published in December 2024, which revealed that 28% of working-age adults in the United States read at or below the lowest level assessed. This is a re-print of a 2025 article published by ProLiteracy.

Adult Literacy: The Foundation of a Thriving Economy 

By Rachel McDonnell, Jobs for the Future 

In today’s economy, foundational literacy and numeracy are key for accessing quality jobs. Investing in adult education can help millions of people with limited literacy, numeracy, and  digital skills to access economic opportunity while providing employers with the skilled workforce they need to remain competitive. With increased investment from public and private sources, adult education programs—including those funded through WIOA, sponsored by employers, and offered through libraries  and other community organizations—can play a critical role in preparing our workforce to adapt to the evolving needs of our economy. These programs can be even more impactful if they are designed in partnership with employers.

Why Adult Foundational Education Is Key to AI Literacy in the US

By Jen Vanek, PhD and Rachel Riggs, World Education, a division of JSI Research and Training Institute

Adult foundational education (AFE) continues to evolve to meet learners’ needs. Teachers and programs are skilled and ready to respond to new demands and technological shifts, ensuring learners can make informed decisions, pursue learning, and apply skills in work and civic life. Today, the demand driving innovation is the need to integrate AI literacy into AFE programming and instruction. Over the past year, that demand has only sharpened: The U.S. Department of Labor released an Artificial Intelligence Literacy Framework for the workforce system, and our own recent research points to the same conclusion: AFE classrooms are a natural place to build AI literacy alongside foundational skills. 

Family Literacy—Learning Together for a Brighter Future

By Dr. Marcela Movit, Director, ISAL and Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy

Family literacy programs have existed for decades and primarily serve families who have limited access to economic, education, and literacy resources. Research indicates that both children and parents benefit from participation in family literacy programs. In this article, the Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy at Penn State University shares findings from a multi-year, mixed-methods evaluation of five family literacy programs in Philadelphia, PA, providing evidence that learning occurred in four domains–educational, personal, social, and parenting (Clymer et al., 2024). 

Advocating for Adult Numeracy Skills

By Heidi Schuler, Past-President of the Adult Numeracy Network (ANN)

The 2023 Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC Cycle 2) results revealed an important message for educators in the United  States and around the globe: adults aged 16-65 are struggling to keep up in math and numeracy skills in an increasingly complex world. Adult education programs serve adult learners whose goals are to improve reading and writing skills to make everyday tasks more accessible. The same is true for numeracy. Adult learners want to improve their math skills to make everyday tasks, including personal finance decisions, more manageable. This article provides insight into national and global numeracy rates, and what adult educators can do to support adults in developing a deeper understanding of numeracy skills and situations that require math application.

Empowering Adults to Make the Most of Their Money: Focus on Financial Literacy in Adult Education 

By Deborah Kennedy, Senior Consultant, Key Words and Former Executive Director, National Coalition for Literacy

Financial literacy is essential for everyone, but it is especially important for adults with low literacy who struggle to make ends meet for themselves and their families. Adult education programs develop basic skills in the context of practical  knowledge for everyday life, including career readiness, health literacy, citizenship, and financial literacy. These programs combine financial literacy with development of essential reading and numeracy skills in a  pragmatic approach that allows adult learners to obtain the knowledge necessary for financial self-sufficiency. This Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, take the opportunity to learn more about ways to advance financial literacy in your community.