Adult Literacy
Uplifting the literacy level of adults in a community is essential for many reasons:
1. At least 50% of the unemployed are functionally illiterate. (U.S. Department of Labor)
2. on average, a functionally illiterate adult earns 42% less than a high school graduate.
(U.S. Department of Education)
3. The education of the parent is the single greatest predictor of whether a child will be raised
in poverty. (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)
4. Youngsters whose parents are functionally illiterate are twice as likely as their peers to be
functionally illiterate themselves. (National Assessment of Education Progress)
5. Persons with limited literacy skills have poorer health status than the rest of the population.
(American Medical Association)
Adult illiteracy is a central factor in the well-being of individuals, families, and neighborhoods in a community. Addressing this need must be a collaborative effort that calls forth students, coordinators, volunteers, community leaders, business collaborators, and public policy makers. Giving Back Enterprises in conjunction with the Black Women Lawyers Foundation of Michigan are working with communities, professional athletes, concerned individuals and organizations to address this critical societal need.
