This resolution designates the week of September 14–20, 2025 as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and cites data on literacy gaps and skill deficits among U.S. adults. It references the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies and the 2023 American Community Survey findings, noting substantial shares of adults lacking a high school credential, adequate English-language skills, or basic literacy and numeracy.
The measure is non-binding and does not authorize funding or new programs; instead, it expresses support for the designation and urges broad sectors—public, private, and nonprofit—to expand access to adult education and family literacy, emphasizing their importance to individuals and the economy.
At a Glance
What It Does
Designates a specific week and expresses support for adult education and family literacy while calling on sectors to support expanded access.
Who It Affects
Educational institutions, literacy providers, libraries, workforce programs, and organizations that partner with adults seeking education and language skills.
Why It Matters
Elevates literacy as a public concern, signaling potential momentum for resources and attention without creating mandates.
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What This Bill Actually Does
The bill is a non-binding House resolution that designates a week in September 2025 as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. It cites data about gaps in literacy, numeracy, and English-language skills among millions of adults and frames adult education and family literacy as essential to individual success and national economic well-being.
The resolution does not establish programs or funding; rather, it signals support and asks public, private, and nonprofit groups to help expand access to adult education and family literacy services. By focusing attention on these issues, the measure aims to mobilize communities and organizations to improve opportunities for adults and families, including parental involvement in children’s education.
The text emphasizes that improving literacy benefits households, workers, and society at large, while noting the symbolic nature of the designation and the absence of new statutory obligations.
The Five Things You Need to Know
The bill designates a National Adult Education Week and is non-binding.
It calls on public, private, and nonprofit entities to support expanded access to adult education and family literacy programs.
It cites data on literacy gaps, credential attainment, and English-language skills to justify the designation.
It does not authorize funding or create new mandates.
It highlights the role of parental involvement and family literacy in children’s educational outcomes.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
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Findings and Purpose
The resolution opens with findings about the scale of literacy, numeracy, and language skill gaps in the United States, underscoring the implications for home, work, and society. It establishes the purpose of designating a focused week to raise awareness and align stakeholders around improving access to adult education and family literacy.
Designation of the Week
The House designates a National Adult Education Week for September 14–20, 2025, signaling national attention to adult education, workforce readiness, and family literacy without imposing new duties or funding requirements.
Call to Action for Stakeholders
The resolution urges participation from public, private, and nonprofit entities to support expanded access to programs. It frames the designation as a mobilizing signal rather than a policy mandate.
Non-Binding Nature
The text clarifies that this is a symbolic gesture, not a spending authorization or regulatory mandate. Its impact rests in awareness-raising and potential indirect effects on partnerships and program participation.
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Explore Education in Codify Search →Who Benefits and Who Bears the Cost
Every bill creates winners and losers. Here's who stands to gain and who bears the cost.
Who Benefits
- Adult learners seeking to improve literacy, numeracy, or English-language proficiency, who may gain greater visibility to services and opportunities.
- Parents and families benefiting from family literacy programs that support children’s educational outcomes.
- Community colleges, nonprofit literacy organizations, and other providers expanding outreach and enrollment in literacy and English-language programs.
- Public libraries and local community organizations that host or promote literacy initiatives.
- Employers and workforce development programs that gain access to a more literate and skilled potential workforce.
Who Bears the Cost
- Minor administrative and outreach costs for recognizing the week, borne by Congress and participating agencies.
- Public and nonprofit organizations that choose to participate in awareness events or outreach activities may incur modest costs.
- Localities and schools that participate in observance activities may incur small promotional or event-related expenses.
- There is no new mandatory funding; any costs are optional and borne within existing budgets.
Key Issues
The Core Tension
The central dilemma is signaling support for critical literacy needs while not committing resources or duties to deliver measurable improvements in access or outcomes.
The bill is primarily an awareness-raising gesture with no funding or mandate attached. Its effectiveness depends on how communities and organizations respond and whether the designation translates into tangible program access and participation.
A potential tension exists between the value of heightened visibility and the risk that symbolic action does little to address underlying resource gaps in adult education and family literacy. If stakeholders interpret the week as a call to action without accompanying resources or accountability, the impact may be limited to media attention rather than sustained program growth.
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