Washington, DC – Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Erin Houchin (R-IN-09), Frank Mrvan (D-IN-01), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) have introduced a resolution designating September 14th through September 20th of 2025 as “National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.” The resolution recognizes the importance of adult education, family literacy, and efforts to support an educated population with the literacy skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century. A companion resolution is led in the Senate by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Susan Collins (R-ME)

“Education is the key to opportunity. Our goal is to give all Americans, no matter their age, the chance to create the best possible lives for themselves,” said Rep. McBath. “Low literacy and numeracy rates among adults reduce opportunity not only for themselves, but for their children. By recognizing National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, we hope to highlight the need for increased investment in initiatives that help adults build the skills they need to support themselves and their families.”

“Literacy is the foundation for success in education, employment, and community engagement, and it’s crucial that we support efforts to provide these essential skills to adults across the nation. I’m proud to join this initiative to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, regardless of age or background,” said Rep. Houchin.

Rep. Mrvan stated, “I am proud to join Rep. McBath and my House colleagues in this bipartisan resolution to support National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.  I will continue advocating for life-long educational opportunities that improve literacy rates to empower individuals in Northwest Indiana and across the country to thrive in the workforce and succeed in our economy.”

“Adult education and family literacy are the gateway to opportunity, dignity, and a stronger workforce,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “By investing in foundational skills, workforce readiness, and family literacy, we’re closing gaps and unlocking potential. This bipartisan resolution reaffirms our commitment to every adult learner striving for a better future, equipping parents to guide the next generation, strengthening our communities, and securing a more competitive, resilient America for decades to come.”

The bill’s original cosponsors include Representatives John Mannion, Dwight Evans, Cleo Fields, Hank Johnson, Danny Davis, Eric Swalwell, Sanford D. Bishop, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.

Background

Nearly 59,000,000 adults in the United States struggle with basic literacy; 72,000,000 struggle with numeracy, and one-third of the U.S. adult population struggles with multi-step problem-solving which limits effective decision-making in everyday life. These same individuals experience higher unemployment rates and lower wages, making it harder for them to support their families. Adult education helps Americans gain the skills they need to become employed, advance in their jobs, engage in postsecondary and training programs, and achieve economic self-sufficiency. 

The importance of having these skills also extends into life at home. Parental duties among American adults account for a significant portion of the education of our future generation. Whether it is the practice of reading to their child or teaching them everyday skills for later in life, increased parental involvement is a consistent indicator of success for that child later in life.

The resolution will:

• Raise public awareness about the importance of adult education, workforce skills, and family literacy.
• Encourage people across the United States to support programs that assist individuals in need of adult education, workforce skills, and family literacy programs.
• Recognize the importance of these programs.
• Call on public, private, and nonprofit entities to support increased access to adult education and family literacy programs to ensure a fully literate society.

To read the resolution, please click here.