Hands That Lift
UEH Professional Reading Program
UEH Professional Reading Program
Help us fight illiteracy in school-aged children!
Help us fight illiteracy in school-aged children!
The Illiteracy Crisis in School-Age Children Across the United States
The Illiteracy Crisis in School-Age Children Across the United States
The illiteracy crisis in school-aged children in the United States is a growing concern as a large number of students are still unable to read.
- In 2019, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 4% of the U.S. school-age population (ages 6-17) were considered to have below-basic literacy skills.
- In 2019, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), approximately 33% of eighth-graders in the US scored below the basic level in reading.
- According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL), in 2019 approximately 14% of U.S. adults ages 16 and older were considered to have below-basic literacy skills, with the lowest levels of literacy found among those who had not completed high school.
Addressing this issue is extremely critical for the future success of our youth, families, and communities.
Ways Literacy Can Improve Our Communities
Ways Literacy Can Improve Our Communities
Literacy refers to the ability to read and write in a manner sufficient for communication and comprehension. It is a crucial life skill that enables individuals to engage with the world around them and pursue opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Literacy can have a significant impact on communities and can lead to many positive outcomes, including:
- Improved economic outcomes: Literacy skills are essential for success in the workforce, and individuals with strong literacy skills are more likely to be employed and earn higher salaries.
- Better health outcomes: Literate individuals are better equipped to access and are able to understand health information, which can lead to overall improved health outcomes and a reduction in healthcare costs.
- Stronger community involvement: Literate individuals are more likely to be involved in their communities and to participate in civic activities such as voting and volunteering.
- Enhanced quality of life: Literacy skills are essential for personal growth and can help individuals access educational, cultural, and leisure opportunities that can improve their quality of life.
- Decreased crime rates: Studies have shown that increasing literacy rates can help reduce crime, as individuals with strong literacy skills are less likely to engage in criminal behavior.
Overall improving literacy in communities like Ferguson, MO and Chicago, IL can lead to more educated involved, and prosperous communities which can benefit our youth, families, and the community as a whole.
Help Make A Change!
Help Make A Change!
With your support you can help UEH transform the Chicago, IL and Ferguson, MO communities. Donate now to assist with buying books for students in the UEH Literacy Program
Together, let's fight to bring change!
Volunteer to Read or Tutor
Volunteer to Read or Tutor
We need you!
We are still looking for professionals to tutor and read to students of all grades in person or virtually over the course of the year.
Become the change you wish to see in the world!