WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), Erin Houchin (R-IN), and Frank Mrvan (D-IN) have introduced a resolution designating September 15th through September 21st of 2024 as “National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.” The resolution highlights the need for every American to have the literacy skills necessary to succeed while bringing awareness to the importance of adult education and fostering a family culture of learning for America’s future generations. 

“We want to give everyone, adult and child alike, the tools to create the best possible lives for themselves,” said Rep. McBath. “Education is the greatest creator of opportunity we have, and it’s an important step in building a sustainable economy that works for everyone. We can no longer neglect the basic education of American adults or the roles they play in the education of their children. With the designation of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, we hope to draw attention to the gaps in adult education and promote much-needed investment in American families.” 

“Improving adult literacy and basic education has a direct positive impact on our nation’s social and economic well-being,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan resolution recognizing the importance of adult education and family literacy. I remain committed to supporting access to adult foundational education, workforce skills, and family literacy programs that enable greater success at home, in the workplace, and in the community.”

Congressman Mrvan stated, “Proud to join Rep. McBath and my House colleagues in this bipartisan initiative to promote National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. Let us continue to work to increase access to life-long education and improve literacy rates across our nation to promote the ability of everyone to thrive and succeed in our economy.”

"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." – Congresswoman Erin Houchin

The resolution is co-sponsored by Representatives Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI).

Over 40 million American adults lack the basic literacy, numeracy, and digital skills necessary to succeed at home, in the workplace, and in society. These skills extend into life at home—parental duties for American adults account for a significant portion of education for our future generations. 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.

Adult education programs provide English language proficiency, numeracy, literacy, digital literacy, work readiness, soft skills, high school equivalency, and numerous wraparound services to adult learners around the country. Adult education programs serve fewer than one million people out of an estimated 16 million who would like to participate. Recognizing the importance of these services is a critical first step to providing adult learners and educators the resources and support they need to teach and learn effectively.

The resolution will:

• Raise awareness of the importance of adult foundational education, workforce skills, and family literacy programs.
• Encourage people across the United States to support programs for adult education, workforce skills, and family literacy programs.
• Acknowledge the importance of these programs.
• Call on private, public, and nonprofit entities to invest in programs for adult education, workforce skills, and family literacy with the goal of creating a fully literate America.

To read the resolution, please click here.

McBath has been a leader on adult education and workforce legislation, with three of her provisions included in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce-approved H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act. This bipartisan legislation includes a majority of McBath’s TRAIN Act and portions of the Adult Education WORKS Act and CREATES Act.