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Recognizing September 14-18, 2026, as Adult Education & Family Literacy Week in Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Education and literacy are fundamental to individual dignity, opportunity, economic mobility, and full participation in the civic and community life of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Throughout our nation’s history, access to education and literacy has not been equally available to all, and as Philadelphia joins the nation in commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, we are called to recommit ourselves to ensuring meaningful access to education and lifelong learning for all; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia faces a particularly urgent literacy challenge, with approximately 32 percent of adults ages 16-74 estimated to have literacy skills at or below Level 1 and 49 percent estimated to have numeracy skills at or below Level 1; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia ranks second-lowest among Pennsylvania counties in average adult literacy proficiency, with an estimated literacy score of 245 compared with 266 statewide, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in adult education in the Commonwealth’s largest city; and
WHEREAS, Adult education provides Philadelphians with opportunities to strengthen literacy, numeracy, English language, and digital skills; earn high school equivalency credentials; prepare for postsecondary education and occupational training; pursue family-sustaining careers; expand civic participation and economic mobility; and help interrupt cycles of low literacy and poverty across generations; and
WHEREAS, National Adult Education & Family Literacy Week celebrates the determination and achievements of adult learners and recognizes the educators, employers, workforce partners, community organizations, and advocates who support their success; and
WHEREAS, Beyond Literacy, Philadelphia’s largest adult literacy organization, serves approximately 2000 adult learners each year, working alongside education, workforce, employer, and community partners to expand access to foundational education, English language learning, high school equivalency preparation, workforce training, and pathways to economic mobility across Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, The Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby recognize September 14-18, 2026, as Adult Education & Family Literacy Week in Philadelphia and calls upon all Philadelphians to celebrate the achievements of adult learners and support the educators, programs, policies, and partnerships that make literacy and lifelong learning accessible to adults throughout our City.
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