Statistics show that around 40% of Arkansas high school graduates read below a fifth-grade level, with a significant portion struggling with both literacy and basic math. Through partnerships with local schools, libraries, and community centers, the Arkansas State University at Beebe Adult Education Program, White County Literacy Council, and the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project are helping to close these gaps.
Gina Rainey, Director of the Adult Education Program, highlights the critical role of adult literacy and education programs in helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency, improve employability, and break cycles of poverty. Her team delivers classes that address literacy, digital skills, financial literacy, and employability in Searcy and the surrounding areas.
In Arkansas, many individuals face challenges due to limited education and low literacy levels. Approximately 14% of county residents over 25 do not hold a high school diploma, with 22% lacking basic literacy and 34% lacking foundational numeracy skills. For those without a high school diploma, annual income averages around $22,227, underscoring the economic impact of educational limitations. By pursuing education, individuals can earn roughly $10,000 more annually, making a significant difference for low-income families.
Sarah Steifel of the White County Literacy Council emphasizes the impact a parent's education level has on the whole family and says literacy can break generational cycles of poverty.
"One of the indicators of how well a child will do as a reader and as a learner is their parents' educational attainment," she said.
Adult education goes beyond academics. These organizations in Searcy prioritize digital and financial literacy training, teaching individuals how to craft resumes and cover letters. They also focus on job search skills and training to secure employment skills-skills that many of us take for granted but are out of reach for those without basic literacy. The aim is to improve literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for navigating everyday life, from reading prescriptions to understanding financial statements.
These classes are inclusive, supporting diverse language groups, including French, Creole, Mandarin, and Spanish speakers. This effort serves numerous ESL learners, who often face unique challenges due to the stigma around adult illiteracy. For many, learning English is a stepping stone toward participating more fully in the workforce and society.
These efforts create a ripple effect, empowering families and communities. Through education, individuals gain the tools to secure jobs, contribute to their communities, and become lifelong learners who inspire future generations.
For Dorian Dias of the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project, this mission is deeply personal. Having grown up in a household with access to books, Dias came to realize that this privilege was not universal. Witnessing family members struggle with literacy and its impact on their lives fueled her passion for making literacy accessible to others, especially those in underserved communities.
Literacy is more than reading—it’s about gaining access to a world of opportunities and increasing one’s ability to make informed decisions, she noted.
Sarah Steifel recognizes that literacy is closely tied to other fundamental needs. Drawing on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Steifel and her contemporaries view literacy as foundational to achieving higher levels of self-sufficiency.
Literacy also extends to justice reform, significantly reducing recidivism. Approximately 75% of incarcerated individuals lack a high school diploma. Studies show that literacy programs in prison reduce recidivism by 40-60%, offering a path to rehabilitation and reintegration. Education can be a powerful force in changing lives and reuniting families.
Ramey, Dias, and Steifel envision a future where literacy is accessible to all and seek to foster a more educated, empowered, and self-sufficient community. Through literacy, they believe we can create a world where every individual has the tools they need to succeed.
As Steifel notes, “Literacy is the key to a better future.”
Smart Justice is a magazine, podcast, and continuing news coverage from the nonprofit Restore Hope and covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system-related issues, such as child welfare, incarceration, and juvenile justice. Our coverage is solutions-oriented, focusing on the innovative ways in which communities are solving issues and the lessons that have been learned as a result of successes and challenges.
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