Adult Literacy Project

Literacy is measured in levels of proficiency.  In Greater Hartford, an estimated 300,000 people function at the two lowest of five levels, based on statistics from the United States Department of Education.  That means, for example, they cannot understand a prescription, locate an intersection on a street map, or even locate two pieces of information in a newspaper sports story.

A study commissioned by the Hartford Foundation in 2006, determined that literacy services in Greater Hartford were reaching – despite the best efforts of agencies – only 15 percent of those needing help. 

To address the problem, in 2008 the Foundation launched its Adult Literacy Project, a $1.5 million, three-year effort to work with nonprofit agencies and public systems to improve and expand programs and increase collaboration and coordination of services.  The Foundation identified two priority areas: English for speakers of other languages and contextualized learning (in the workplace and family).

The agencies participating – among the largest in the adult literacy field in Greater Hartford – have enthusiastically embraced the project.  Quarterly workshops are held to allow agencies to report on progress, exchange ideas, and build connections. 

Grants are supporting collaborative literacy programs, as well as planning efforts to improve coordination and delivery of services.  One planning grant is enabling Hartford Public Schools to work with Capital Workforce Partners to redesign the Hartford adult education system, with major program changes already implemented. 

“The Adult Literacy Project has achieved a great deal” in its first year, according to an evaluation by Holt, Wexler & Farnam, a Connecticut consulting firm.  All programs “successfully implemented their main strategies and activities,” according to the report.

However, the project is still in its early stages and challenges remain.

“For example,” said Sharon O’Meara, the Foundation’s senior program officer overseeing the project, “adult learners face many challenges to sustained participation in programs, including lack of transportation, scheduling conflicts, and the need for child care.”

Agencies participating in the Adult Literacy Project are:

1199 Training Fund
Bloomfield Public Library
Capital Community College
Capital Workforce Partners
Capitol Region Education Council
Center for Urban Research, Educ. & Training
Connecticut Puerto Rican Forum, Inc.
Hartford Public Library
Hartford Adult Education Center
Hartford Public Schools - Hartford Adult Education Center
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford
Vernon Regional Adult and Continuing Education