Why Literacy?

When communities improve low literacy, it leads to:

  • Increased individual and family income.

  • Lower unemployment.

  • Improved health conditions.

  • Lower incarceration rates.

  • Decreased public assistance need.

What is Low Literacy?

Low literacy is defined as being unable to read, write, speak, compare and contrast, paraphrase, and make low-level inferences. All skills necessary to navigate life and complete daily tasks like those outlined below:

  • Basic Literacy: read, write, comprehend, text, email, navigate websites, US measurement system, and tell time.

  • Healthcare: find a doctor, complete medical forms, communicate with medical staff on phone and during visit (identify symptoms/ailments/body parts, ask health-related questions, read prescription labels, understand Rx instructions/dosages, make preventative care decisions – healthy food, exercise, immunizations, vaccinations.

  • Parenting: complete school forms/permission slips, communicate with teachers, help children with homework, read to children, volunteer at school.

  • Digital Literacy: email children’s teachers / check grades online with school, enroll in college classes, obtain GED, practice English skills online/app, schedule doctor appointments.

  • Job/Workplace Advancement: create a resume, apply for a job, interview for a job, improve job skills, communicate with customers / coworkers / supervisor, read work related materials / job description / employee handbook.

  • Financial Stability: open a bank account, pay bills, apply for a credit card (understand how to use it), learn about US currency.

  • Consumerism: go to the grocery store, read a menu, read contracts / secure housing.

  • Community Participation: get a drivers license or library card, become a citizen, register to vote.

When individuals lack basic literacy skills, they have limited options in life. By equipping them with the skills they need, they can take control of their lives, support themselves and their families, and participate in their community.

What Causes Low Literacy?

Causes of low literacy in the US include:

  • Limited availability and long wait lists for publicly funded ESL classes; compounded by scheduling conflicts, public transportation and access to childcare.

  • Immigrant’s under-developed reading and writing skills in native language.

  • Undiagnosed learning disabilities / disorders in immigrants and native speakers of English.

  • Family poverty and/or violence in the community.

  • Lack of a literate adult role model during childhood.

  • Leaving school during childhood and/or inadequate early intervention programs.

Who Are Our Learners?

Learners come to us with English language skills below ninth-grade level. Some are native English speakers, yet most are immigrants.

  • Our learner base represents 29 different native languages and 40 countries.

    • Top 3 languages: Spanish, Urdu, Ukrainian as of FY24 Q3

    • Top 3 Countries: Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela

  • The average age of our learner is 43.

  • 49% are seeking employment or are underemployed.

  • 79% are female.

  • 51% are parents of minor children.

  • Demographics = 56% Hispanic, 18% Asian, 17% Caucasian, 4% Black, and 6% Other.

60% of Literacy DuPage adult learners have some post-secondary education in their native language. However, many are unable to find careers in their fields of study due to their lack of English skills.

Literacy DuPage helps low-income adults in DuPage County who read below the ninth-grade level or speak English at a beginning level to improve their basic reading, writing, math, or English language proficiency.

Learners (age 21 and above) receive free customized tutoring and gain the literacy skills they need to take control of their lives, support themselves and their families, and participate in their community.