The House Adult Literacy Caucus aims to bring federal-level attention to adult education and family literacy and promote local, national, and global adult literacy initiatives. The Caucus calls attention to the connections between adult literacy and national priorities such as health, employment, and digital equity.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the literacy, numeracy, and digital skills of approximately 43 million U.S. residents ages 16 to 65 are insufficient for full participation as engaged and contributing members of society. These adults face challenges in supporting their children’s educational progress; they have difficulty obtaining and understanding health information and using it appropriately; and they may be unable to participate effectively in career development and job training opportunities that lead to greater employment eligibility.

Adult education and family literacy programs provide the foundation for addressing these challenges. Members of the Adult Literacy Caucus seek to ensure that federal-level policymaking includes awareness of adult education solutions to critical issues, as well as the return on investment in adult education and family literacy.

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Caucus Activities

• Sponsor National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week during the third week of September each year
• Receive regular updates from the National Coalition for Literacy and its member organizations on the status of adult literacy, numeracy, and digital skills development in the United States and the ways in which adult education and family literacy programs support effective policymaking in national priority areas
• Support the National Coalition for Literacy and its partners in providing one briefing each year on the need for and outcomes of adult education and family literacy programs
• Send staff liaisons to participate (virtually or in person) in a one-hour federal policy discussion at the NCL members meeting in May and September each year

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History

During the 111th Congress, with support from the National Coalition for Literacy, Representatives Phil Roe (R-TN) and Dan Maffei (D-NY) built a formal bipartisan network of Members of Congress that could advocate for increased investments in and expansion of adult education and family literacy. The House Adult Literacy Caucus was formed in 2010, with Representative Roe and Representative Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX) serving as co-chairs. During the 114th Congress, upon Representative Hinojosa’s retirement, Representative John Yarmuth (D-KY) became co-chair.

In announcing the formation of the Caucus, Congressman Roe said,

“As we continue to try to get our nation’s economy back on track, the need for educating and training adults who have been out of school for years will become more and more important to adapt to changing workforce demands. I am hopeful that through the Adult Literacy Caucus we will be able to give voice in Congress to those who need additional help and education.”

The need remains great in 2023, as the nation seeks solutions to the employment disruptions and health crises resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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How to Help

Since the retirement of Representative Roe at the end of the 116^th Congress and the retirement of Representative John Yarmuth at the end of the 117^th Congress, the House Adult Literacy Caucus has been dormant. NCL is currently working to identify new co-chairs and new members from the 118th Congress. You can help by asking your Member of Congress to join the House Adult Literacy Caucus. For reference, here is a copy of the invitation to join [Dear Colleague Letter].