Despite the critical role of adult education in workforce development efforts, only a fraction of those who need services—about 1 out of 10—are able to access them. Federal funding for adult education is declining rapidly—facing a nearly 20 percent decrease in funding since 2002. Other federal programs that provide training and assistance to these adults have been slashed equally or  greater. In the last three years alone—since 2010, federal funding for workforce programs has declined by nearly 20 percent.

For these reasons, CLASP strongly supports OSSE’s proposed Pathways to Adult Literacy Fund, which would help 1,000 D.C. residents obtain a high school equivalency or postsecondary credential to improve their economic mobility and become vibrant, contributing, tax-paying members of society.

To learn more, read Marcie Foster’s written testimony to the Committee on Education on the Office regarding the FY 2014 budget for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.