According to the National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS), 92 million adults in the United States - almost 48 percent of the population - have very low or low literacy skills. They cannot read an ad or fill out a simple application. Illiteracy affects a multitude of social and economic issues from Juvenile delinquency to unemployment, low productivity, and costly error in the workplace and on inability to read guidelines and rules.

The term Literacy is generally used to mean a mastery of basic skills. That is, the subjects normally taught in public schools (reading and writing). The ability to write, read, speak, and work well with others are critical in today’s society. Unfortunately, many American are not at this level. They are well below the average.

According to the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL), research indicated that both adults and their children made important gains after attending family literacy programs (Breaking the Cycle of Illiteracy: The Kenan Family Literacy Model Program. NCFL, 1989.):

33% of children in California will not finish high school. (CA Department of Education).

14% of all individuals have a learning disability. (Learning Disabilities Association).

24% of adults in California are at the lowest literacy level. (National Adult Literacy).