Testifiers outline challenges illiteracy pose to economic growth 

HARRISBURG – Sept. 16 The importance of adult literacy to support economic growth and development were highlighted during a Pennsylvania House Education Committee hearing as members heard testimony on what can be done to expand access to these programs.

“Many communities across Pennsylvania, including in my district in the Lehigh Valley, have residents that do not have a high school diploma and others who cannot read above a junior high reading level. This severely impacts their ability to work in family-sustaining careers,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh.

“There is an urgent need for adult literacy programs to help these adults expand their education and obtain skills that will ensure employers can fill their job vacancies.”

Monday’s hearing featured testifiers from Beyond Literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh, The Literacy Center and I-Lead USA.  

Testifiers detailed the importance adult literacy programs are in communities across Pennsylvania and how their efforts are breaking barriers for adults to be hired in critical industries.

“The Learning Center has witnessed significant enrollment increases for GED programs over the last few years,” said Jennifer Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of The Literacy Center. “More adults need to obtain their high school equivalency diploma to further their education and employment opportunities.”

“Beyond the economic benefits, adult education fosters stronger families and more resilient communities,” said Angel Figueroa, Senior Vice-President of I-Lead Futures Workforce. “A parent earning a degree or certification sets a powerful example for their children, showing them that education is a pathway to a better future.”

The testimony from this hearing and other House Education Committee hearings can be found here.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Thomas LeClair
Research Analyst
House Democratic Education Committee

 

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