Adult Literacy: The Foundation of a Thriving Economy

Prepared for the National Coalition for Literacy for AEFL Week 2026
By Rachel McDonnell, Director
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. At Jobs for the Future (JFF), we recognize that addressing these skill gaps is essential for achieving our North Star Goal that by 2033, 75 million Americans facing barriers to economic advancement will have quality jobs.

Over the past decade, we’ve seen dramatic shifts in the skills needed to succeed in the labor market. For example, 92% of all jobs now require digital skills, and an increasing number of  employers are looking for AI skills. As employers rely on automation to handle manual tasks, there’s a growing emphasis on human skills or durable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to near-constant technological change.2 

These essential skills require foundational literacy and numeracy. A recent blog from the ETS Research Institute and the Adult Literacy and Learning Impact Network (ALL IN) call foundational skills the bedrock of today’s most in demand workforce competencies. Research from ETS confirms that higher levels of literacy  and numeracy, as measured by the Program for the International Assessment of Adult  Competencies (PIAAC), are linked to increased labor market participation and earnings.

Unfortunately, for the millions of adults with limited foundational literacy skills—including reading, numeracy, and digital problem-solving—accessing economic opportunity can seem out of reach. Adults in need of foundational skill development, including many workers in low-wage jobs, make up a sizable, growing part of the U.S. population and face systemic barriers to attaining or advancing into quality jobs. And this challenge is increasing, not decreasing. The 2023 Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) data show substantial growth in the percentage of U.S. adults with lower levels of literacy and numeracy between 2017 – 2023, and the most recent National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) scores show declining math and reading scores among 12th graders.

These skill barriers limit civic, social, and economic participation. Results from a nationwide survey of 500 employers across key industries show that low literacy affects team productivity, introducing challenges with communication, leading to greater turnover, and causing some employers to overcompensate. Low literacy limits employee performance and holds individuals back from  meeting their full potential, leading to billions of dollars in lost revenue for businesses, individuals, and families. According to the survey, 1 in 3 employers say that their average employee does not have the literacy skills needed to do their job well, and 87% of employers surveyed said they should be involved in adult literacy training.

Investing in adult literacy and foundational skill development has enormous potential for addressing talent pipeline gaps and bolstering the economy. A joint study by Gallup and the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy found that eliminating illiteracy entirely could lead to an additional $2.2 trillion in annual income for the country. Employers increasingly recognize the business imperative of investing in upskilling and education-as-a-benefit programs.

The challenge is ensuring these investments and innovations are designed around the actual skill development needs of the adult workforce. As Chelsea Miller of Upskill America from the Aspen Institute notes, employer-sponsored programs don’t always consider the need for foundational skill development, leaving behind large numbers of frontline workers. This may reflect a lack of awareness of the magnitude of the issue. A 2023 survey of 200 policy influencers by ALL IN in partnership with FTI Consulting found that 58% of policy influencers underestimate the percentage of adults struggling with literacy.

With increased investment from public and private sources, adult education programs—such as those funded through WIOA II, 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. For example, a co-developed integrated education and training (IET) program can prepare pre-hire trainees with the foundational, technical, and workplace skills they need to succeed on the job. Pre-apprenticeship models can  build essential literacy and numeracy skills, opening access to a proven vehicle for economic  advancement. Programs offered at the workplace, like Tyson’s Upward Academy, make it easier for workers to engage in learning while juggling work and family responsibilities. Distance and hybrid learning models also help workers access high-quality literacy and numeracy programs. Innovative technological solutions, like PaceAI, can support targeted instruction in multiple settings, including workplace literacy programs. 

During Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, let’s commit to bolstering the foundational  skills needed for a skilled workforce and thriving economy. 

About JFF 

Jobs for the Future (JFF) transforms U.S. education and workforce systems to drive economic  success for people, businesses, and communities. We do this by designing solutions, scaling  best practices, influencing policy and action, and investing in innovation.