This resolution expresses support for designating a week in September 2025 as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week" to highlight the critical need for adult education and skills training across the country.
Lucy McBath
Representative
GA-6
This resolution expresses strong support for designating a specific week as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week." The bill highlights the critical need to address low literacy rates among millions of adults, which impacts the economy, workforce readiness, and family success. It encourages communities nationwide to recognize and support local programs that provide essential education, job skills, and family literacy services.
Congress Backs 'National Adult Education Week,' Highlighting 59 Million Adults Lacking Basic Skills
This resolution is essentially Congress giving a high-five to adult education. It formally supports designating the week of September 14–20, 2025, as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week." The core purpose isn't to create new law or spend money, but to shine a massive spotlight on a quiet crisis: almost 59 million adults in the U.S. lack the basic reading, math, or computer skills needed to thrive today. This is a public awareness campaign designed to get communities, businesses, and non-profits moving.
The Real Cost of Low Literacy
Congress is framing this as an economic and family issue, not just a social one. The resolution points out that unemployment is highest among those without a high school diploma, and having 59 million adults struggling with basic skills slows down the entire U.S. workforce. Think of the office worker who can’t effectively use a spreadsheet or the construction worker who can’t read complex safety instructions—it impacts productivity and safety across the board. By encouraging support for adult education and job skills training, the resolution aims to reduce those barriers, helping people move from underemployment to living-wage jobs.
It’s a Family Affair
One of the most compelling parts of this resolution is its focus on family literacy. It emphasizes that a parent’s education level directly impacts their kids’ success in school. When a parent improves their own skills—whether it’s English proficiency or basic math—they become more engaged in their children’s education. For the busy parent juggling two jobs, this means that programs offering adult education alongside child literacy support can stabilize the whole household, setting up the next generation for success. It’s an intergenerational investment.
Who Needs This Spotlight?
The resolution specifically identifies several groups where low literacy is creating major hurdles. It calls out older adults who struggle to read medical instructions (a huge health risk), formerly incarcerated individuals whose lack of skills makes recidivism more likely, and immigrants who need English proficiency to fully participate in the economy. This isn't just about reading a book; it’s about navigating modern life—from reading a prescription bottle to filling out a job application online. While this resolution is non-binding, its strength lies in its ability to focus national attention and encourage local action from businesses, public agencies, and volunteers to help these vulnerable populations access the education they need.