1 in every 3 adults in Harris County is functionally illiterate.
More than 1 million adults struggle with the skills they need to play their roles on the job, in the family and across society.
Source: Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (2017)
Learn more about how low literacy impacts:
Systemic Injustice • Health of Communities • Digital Divide • Children and Families • Business and Economy
Systemic Injustice
Low literacy is connected to systemic injustice.
If our city does not proactively address low functional literacy rates, we will not be able to realize a vision for a just and equitable Houston.
Black and Hispanic adults in Harris County are 3 times more likely than White adults to have low literacy skills.
Source: Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (2017)
94% of adult education learners in federally funded programs in Harris County are people of color.
Source: Houston-Galveston Area Council (2021)
Health of Communities
Low literacy threatens the vibrancy and success of our communities.
Literacy is at the heart of crime rates, health quality, and civic participation. The strength of our democracy and public life depends on literacy. The future of many Houstonians depends on their ability to advocate for themselves and their families.
60% of individuals with low academic skills feel they have no influence on public decisions or the political process.
Source: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (2013)
“Literacy is transformative! Real rehabilitation is grounded in giving people the chance to improve themselves and their future.”
– Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez
Digital Divide
Lack of access to digital technology and digital skills increases inequalities in our society.
In today’s highly digital world it is incredibly difficult to function without access to digital technology and the skills needed to use it effectively.
1 in 6 Houston households do not have a home computer, and 1 in 3 do not have broadband internet access.
Source: Houston Chronicle (2020)
Adults who are low in digital literacy have a lower rate of labor force participation and are more likely to work in low-skilled jobs for low wages.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (2018)
Children and Families
The cycle of low literacy impacts individuals across generations.
To break the Cycle of Low Literacy and give Houston’s children the opportunity to grow up and thrive as productive members of society, we must address the challenge of low adult literacy.
In Houston, 60% of children who enter kindergarten are prepared with the basic literacy skills they need.
Source: Baker, et al., Houston's Literacy Crisis: A Blueprint for Community Action (2013)
A mother’s education level is the highest determinant of a child’s academic success.
Source: National Institute of Health (2010)
Business and Economy
Low adult literacy rates cost Houston’s economy.
A literate workforce leads to higher paying jobs, increased tax revenue, more productivity and overall economic development.
According to new research by Gallup, Harris County’s economy could grow by $13 billion if adults with the lowest levels of literacy competency increased their literacy skills by just one level.
Source: Gallup & the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation (2021)
