Literacy Facts and Information

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The National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) defines adult literacy as the ability to use printed and written information to function in society, to achieve goals and to develop knowledge and potential.

• 43% of adults at the lowest literacy level (Level 1) live in poverty compared to 4% of those at Level 5.
• 21-23% or 40-45 million Americans are at Level 1 literacy.
• The likelihood of being on welfare goes up as literacy levels go down.
• 3 out of 4 food stamp recipients perform in the two lowest literacy levels.
• 7 in 10 prisoners perform in the two lowest literacy levels.
• Adults at Level 1 work an average of 19 weeks per year compared to 44 weeks per year for those at Level 5.
• Median income of adults at Level 1 is $240 per week compared to $681 per week for those at Level 5.

(Source: National Institute for Literacy)

   Literacy Volunteers 2005-2006 School Year Fast Facts

• 315 students were served in three counties

• Students received 18,272 hours of instruction
• 173 tutors worked in three counties
• Tutors volunteered 9,527 hours of instruction
• Students came from 22 different countries