City of Boston Celebrates Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

During Adult Education and Family Literacy Week from September 14-20, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu highlighted the significance of adult education and family literacy. This initiative aims to empower residents to achieve personal and professional goals while tackling the racial wealth gap and supporting immigrant communities. Local officials visited the Boston Public Schools Adult Education program, which provides no-cost, flexible options for residents, including Adult Basic Education and English for Speakers of Other Languages. Superintendent Mary Skipper affirmed the commitment to high-quality educational opportunities for adult learners. Since 1983, the Office of Workforce Development has spearheaded the Adult Literacy Initiative, collaborating with various organizations to deliver essential services.

Currently, over 53,000 Boston residents lack a high school diploma, and 105,000 speak English less than "very well. " Despite receiving various grants, the initiative serves only about 3,500 adults, with waiting lists for nearly all programs. The ongoing demand underscores the necessity for increased funding and resources to meet the needs of Boston's adult learners.