Bradenton, FL – April 29, 2025

Why Literacy Matters — Especially in Manatee County

At the Manatee Literacy Council, our mission is clear: to empower adults in Manatee County to achieve independence through literacy. Every day, we meet individuals whose lives could be profoundly changed through the power of reading and writing. Yet across the United States, millions of adults still face barriers to accessing the literacy education they need.

A new national study by ALL IN: The Adult Literacy & Learning Impact Network and FTI Consulting brings this challenge into sharp focus. Surveying 2,000 adults with low literacy skills across all 50 states, the study provides critical insights into the struggles, perceptions, and aspirations of those most affected by literacy barriers.

Low literacy is linked to:

• Lower earning potential and economic mobility

• Higher unemployment rates

• Poorer health outcomes

• Reduced civic engagement, including lower voting rates

In other words, investing in adult literacy strengthens our workforce, improves public health, reduces poverty, and builds stronger communities.

At Manatee Literacy Council, we know that when adults learn, everyone benefits. Parents become more involved in their children’s education. Workers qualify for better jobs. Seniors stay mentally active and socially connected.

How Manatee Literacy Council is Responding

The findings from the ALL IN study affirm much of what we already know — and reinforce our commitment to lowering barriers for adults in our community. Here’s how we are working to meet these needs:

1. Raising Awareness

We actively engage with community partners, libraries, schools, and local media to spread the word about our free literacy programs. We know that personal outreach — meeting learners where they are — is key to building trust.

2. Offering Flexible Learning Options

Understanding the realities of adult learners’ lives, we offer a range of scheduling options, including:

• One-on-one tutoring tailored to each student’s goals

• Group classes at convenient times and locations

• Online learning support for students

3. Creating a Welcoming Environment

We work hard to eliminate stigma by emphasizing that it’s never too late to learn. Every learner is treated with respect, encouragement, and dignity. Our volunteer tutors receive training on working with adult learners sensitively and effectively.

4. Building Partnerships

We collaborate with organizations like Turning Points, CareerSource Suncoast, and other local organizations to ensure that literacy services are part of a broader network of support services.

What the Study Tells Us About the Path Forward

The ALL IN report doesn’t just highlight problems; it also offers solutions, many of which align with our strategies at Manatee Literacy Council:

• Clear communication about the availability and benefits of literacy programs

• Flexible, learner-centered delivery models that adapt to adult learners’ schedules and needs

• Reducing stigma by normalizing adult learning as a lifelong journey

• Investing in community-based organizations that have the trust and proximity to reach underserved populations

As a community, we must continue advocating for greater public investment in adult education. Despite their enormous return on investment, adult literacy programs currently receive just a tiny fraction of federal and state education funding.

Success Stories: Literacy Changes Lives

Every adult learner has a story, and every story reminds us why this work matters.

Take Maria, a mother of three who joined our program last year. Although she had lived in Florida for over a decade, she struggled to fill out medical forms, help her children with homework, and communicate with their teachers. After six months of one-on-one tutoring, Maria not only improved her English and reading skills but also gained the confidence to enroll in a vocational training program. Today, she is working toward a career in healthcare — fulfilling a dream she once thought was out of reach.

Or consider James, who had left high school decades ago and spent years working minimum-wage jobs. He believed it was “too late” for him to learn. Through the encouragement of a friend (and a flyer posted at the library), James found Manatee Literacy Council. Today, he is reading at a 9th-grade level and plans to earn his GED.

These stories are not rare. They happen every day, and they are proof that with the right support, adults can achieve extraordinary things.

How You Can Help

If you are moved by the findings of the ALL IN report, here are some ways you can help advance adult literacy right here in Manatee County:

• Volunteer: Become a tutor or offer your skills in other areas. No teaching experience is necessary — just a willingness to help.

• Donate: Your financial support allows us to provide free materials, assessments, and tutoring to adults who need it most.

• Advocate: Help spread the word about adult literacy programs. Talk to your neighbors, your community leaders, and your elected officials about why literacy matters.

• Partner: If you’re part of a local organization, let’s collaborate to reach more learners and remove barriers together.

Final Thoughts: A Literacy Movement

The ALL IN study reminds us that adult literacy is not just an educational issue — it is an equity issue, a workforce issue, and a community health issue.

At Manatee Literacy Council, we envision a community where every adult has the skills they need to thrive. That vision won’t be realized by accident. It requires intentional, sustained effort — and it requires all of us working together.

We invite you to join us. Let’s listen to adult learners, honor their goals, and build a future where literacy is truly within reach for everyone.

Read the Full Report: Breaking Barriers to Adult Literacy Access

#AdultLiteracy #CommunityEducation #ManateeLiteracyCouncil #LiteracyChangesLives #ALLINLiteracy

About Manatee Literacy Council
The Manatee Literacy Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving literacy skills among adults in our community. Through volunteer-driven programs, in-person and virtual classes,  and educational resources, we strive to empower individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals. Our mission is to empower Manatee County residents to independence through literacy.