The next NYCCAL General Meeting will be Friday September 20 from 9:30am to 11:30am
To attend, register by clicking here
To attend, register by clicking here
Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) is an annual week of awareness and recognition of the digital divide, the unequal access to digital technology, as well as a celebration of our collective achievements in advancing digital equity and inclusion. Building a world in which everyone has access to technology to live, learn, work, and thrive takes all of us. If you agree, please join us October 7-11, 2024, to promote digital equity. We are Stronger Together!
The members of the New York City Alliance for Digital Equity (NYCADE) and the New York State Digital Equity Network (NYSDEN) have put together this list of events taking place during (and after) Digital Inclusion Week this year. We hope you’ll be able to join some of the offerings.
Digital Inclusion Week 2024 Calendar of Events in New York State #DIW2024 #DigitalInclusion #DigitalEquityNow
The members of the New York City Alliance for Digital Equity (NYCADE) and the New York State Digital Equity Network (NYSDEN) have put together this list of events taking place during (and after) Digital Inclusion Week this year. We hope you’ll be able to join some of the offerings.
Digital Inclusion Week 2024 Calendar of Events in New York State #DIW2024 #DigitalInclusion #DigitalEquityNow
Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 2024
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September 16-20, 2024 Adult Literacy and Family Education Week is a national collaboration between families, educators, legislators, and community partners to promote adult literacy. Your program can participate by sharing adult education and family literacy stories on social media, inviting your elected officials to visit your program to learn more about what you do, and more. Resources: https://nationalcoalitionforliteracy.org/advocacy/adult-education-and-family-literacy-week/ https://coabe.org/national-adult-education-and-family-literacy-week/ https://www.tesol.org/advocacy/events/aefl-week-2024/ Hashtags: #AdultEdLiteracyWeek #AEFL2024 |
New York State Digital Equity Plan Released
Digital Inclusion Week 2024 - October 7-11
Learn how you can participate in this year's Digital Inclusion Week on our New York City Alliance for Digital Equity page
NYCCAL City Advocacy Asks for FY2024
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The NYCCAL Advocacy Committee worked with NYACCE to develop our New York City one-pager that outlines our asks and gives some background on the situation. We have four priorities:
1. No Service Cuts! Ensure there are no cuts to adult literacy services at a time of intense need. 2. Increase the per student investment to $2,700. To continue serving the 11,000 to 16,000 students DYCD reports, the City needs to invest between $29.7 million and $43.2 million. 3. Renew and expand the City Council Discretionary Adult Literacy Pilot Project to $5 million under the new title “Adult Literacy Program Enhancement.” 4. Renew $4 million for the City Council Adult Literacy Initiative to continue to support program sustainability. |
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City Limits Article Exposes What is Left Out in Proposed City and State Budgets
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"What Hochul & Adams' Budgets Include for Immigrant Communities--& What's Left Out"
Highlights from the article: On the city level, Mayor Eric Adams New York City spending plan proposes cuts to libraries and resources for programs that many immigrant New Yorkers rely on, such as adult literacy and English language classes. The most drastic cut is in funding earmarked for “Adult Literacy Expansion,” which shrinks from $18,786,700 in the current fiscal year to only $5,915,376 for Fiscal Year 2024. Another batch of funding set aside for adult education—under the “Adult Ed Act”—would go from $3,046,984 to $1,050,322. In total, the city’s adult literacy programs would see a cut from $24 million to $9 million. Proposed cuts to the city’s public libraries total $13.6 million for the current fiscal year and a $20.5 million loss by FY2026. From January 2019 to December 2022, BPL provided 4,700 sessions of English classes with a total attendance of 50,800 students, and 1,114 citizenship classes with 7,400 total attendance. Similarly, between 2019 and 2023, the New York Public Library—which operates branches in Manhattan, The Bronx and Staten Island—offered nearly 90,000 ESOL seats and 11,000 seats for citizenship classes. |
For Queens Public Library (QPL), the budget cuts would mean a $10.3 million reduction, said Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, the deputy communications director. QPL offered 329,903 seats for ESOL classes and 13,311 seats for citizenship classes from 2019 to 2022.
Adult education cuts may be coming from the state, too. In 2023, the legislature added $1.5 million to these programs on a one-time basis, and this year advocates are pushing for this addition to be included once again, or increased. According to NYCCAL, there are 3.9 million adults with limited English proficiency or without a high school diploma in New York State.
Adult education cuts may be coming from the state, too. In 2023, the legislature added $1.5 million to these programs on a one-time basis, and this year advocates are pushing for this addition to be included once again, or increased. According to NYCCAL, there are 3.9 million adults with limited English proficiency or without a high school diploma in New York State.
NYCCAL State Advocacy Asks for FY2024
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The NYCCAL Advocacy Committee worked with NYACCE to develop our New York State one-pager that outlines our asks and gives some background on the situation. We have three main asks:
1. Restore current Adult Literacy Education funding (ALE) to $9.3 million to keep programs whole.(The Governor's budget cuts $1.5M and 1,000+ students.) 2. Stabilize: Invest an additional $9.3 million in FY24 for the ALE Stabilization and Enhancement Fund to begin to stabilize and enhance ALE programs by increasing the rate per student and allowing providers to better serve the 6,600 New Yorkers enrolled. 3. Expand: Invest an additional $9.3 million in FY24 to reach and serve an additional 3,300 students at an increased rate per student. |
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NYCCAL State Advocacy Ask for FY2023
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Students in adult education programs have been hit hard by the pandemic: many lost loved ones, jobs and incomes; others have continued sustaining our city as essential workers and parents; and many have been excluded from COVID-19 relief.
Since adult literacy providers shifted their classes online last year to protect the health of their community members, these programs continue to be a lifeline for students whose lives and communities have been upended by the pandemic and who need support as the city recovers. NYCCAL thanks the Governor for including $7.8 million in the Executive budget to keep programs whole but more money must be invested in Adult Literacy Education (ALE) programs. OUR ASK: Invest an additional $15.6 million in FY23 to support the ALE Stabilization and Enhancement Fund to begin to stabilize and enhance ALE programs by increasing the rate per student, allowing providers to better serve the over 5,600 New Yorkers enrolled. This fund would supplement ALE contracts and increase investment in per-student funding in Adult Literacy Education. It will lead to strategic investments in resources, services, and supports, and will lead to greater outcomes and a wider range of impacts for adult literacy students, their families, and their communities. |
FY22-23 New York State Recommendations One-Pager
Read about our State Advocacy Day 2/28 on our Take Action Page |
NYCCAL Statement on the City FY 2022 Adopted Budget
June 30, 2021
As part of the city’s recovery plan, the FY 2022 Adopted Budget makes critical investments in adult literacy education. Leaders in the City Council Committee on Immigration, chaired by Council Member Carlos Menchaca, the Committee on Education, chaired by Council Member Mark Treyger, and the Committee on Finance, chaired by Council Member Danny Dromm, fought tirelessly to secure funding for a comprehensive package of adult literacy initiatives.
To support the 2.2 million New Yorkers in need of adult education, Council Member Menchaca and Council Member Treyger led the city to invest $2.5 million in a one-year pilot project. This additional funding will provide adult literacy programs with the resources they need to invest in the personnel and wrap-around supports necessary to provide comprehensive services to their students during the first year of COVID-19 recovery. Furthermore, the budget fully restores $12 million for adult literacy programs, including a long awaited baselining of $8 million and restoration of $4 million for discretionary programs.
To support the 2.2 million New Yorkers in need of adult education, Council Member Menchaca and Council Member Treyger led the city to invest $2.5 million in a one-year pilot project. This additional funding will provide adult literacy programs with the resources they need to invest in the personnel and wrap-around supports necessary to provide comprehensive services to their students during the first year of COVID-19 recovery. Furthermore, the budget fully restores $12 million for adult literacy programs, including a long awaited baselining of $8 million and restoration of $4 million for discretionary programs.
The budget fully restores $12 million for adult literacy programs, including a long awaited baselining of $8 million and restoration of $4 million for discretionary programs.
Literacy skills are essential for New Yorkers working to navigate healthcare, support their children's education, access better jobs and higher wages, advocate for their rights, and participate in democracy. These investments are an important step towards closing the enormous gap of adult literacy services for New Yorkers. Currently, fewer than 4% of adult New Yorkers in need of adult literacy services can access classes each year; furthermore, DYCD-funded programs receive less than $1000 per student, far short of the amount needed to cover all facets of a high quality, comprehensive program.
At a time when literacy skills are in high demand, the New York City Coalition for Adult Literacy (NYCCAL) applauds the city for passing a FY 2022 Adopted Budget that makes crucial investments in the education of its adult learning community, and we look forward to continuing to work together as we move towards COVID recovery and justice.
At a time when literacy skills are in high demand, the New York City Coalition for Adult Literacy (NYCCAL) applauds the city for passing a FY 2022 Adopted Budget that makes crucial investments in the education of its adult learning community, and we look forward to continuing to work together as we move towards COVID recovery and justice.
New York City Advocacy for FY2022
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NYCCAL is kicking off New York City advocacy for FY 2022 (July1, 2021-June 30, 2022). Students in adult education programs have been hit hard by the pandemic: many lost loved ones, jobs and incomes; others have continued sustaining our city as essential workers and parents; and many have been excluded from COVID-19 relief. Since adult literacy providers shifted their classes online last year to protect the health of their community members, these programs continue to be a lifeline for students whose lives and communities have been upended by the pandemic and who need support as the city recovers. OUR ASK: Restore $12 million for community-based adult literacy services and invest $10.5 million in the Adult Literacy Pilot Project Priorities for FY22 1. Adult Literacy Classes Support NYC’s Recovery Restore and baseline $12M in adult literacy funding, which was reduced to $9.8M in FY21. 2. Invest $10.5M in the Adult Literacy Pilot Project to enable 40+ programs to provide the full range of supports and resources that adult students need. 3. Provide technology to every adult literacy student who needs it to participate in remote or hybrid classes. |
Kicking off State Advocacy Efforts for 2021
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This year, due to the pandemic and social distance guidelines, we'll be moving our advocacy days online. NYCCAL will use Zoom to set up meetings on February 23 and 24 between state reps and NYCCAL members.
In addition to the Zoom meetings we will be sharing videos of students telling their stories via social media. The videos can be posted on Instagram and/or Twitter either by students, programs, or if you/students send the videos to [email protected], we can post the videos on NYCCAL’s Instagram and Twitter accounts. We’ve put together a Digital Storytelling lesson http://bit.ly/NYCCALDigitalStorytelling that includes directions on how to make videos using Zoom, but of course students can also make their own videos using their phones. We know this is a short turn around but any work on this you can do will have a great impact. |
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Adult Education in COVID-19 Times
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Most New York City Adult Education Programs have shifted their lessons online as a response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Adult Education programs act as a lifeline for those members of our community whose lives have been most seriously disrupted by the situation in the world.
Why Remote English Classes are Essential for Post-Coronavirus Recovery |
Advocacy Efforts Underway for FY2020
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We have begun our advocacy efforts on the City and State level for funding and policies for FY20210.
March 4th, an intrepid group of NYCCAL members went to Albany to meet with State elected officials and NYCCAL will have some members testifying at City Council hearings in the coming weeks. We will be planning borough rallies to take place in April and May. We will also be using Twitter and Instagram to draw attention to our asks. Sign up for our mailing list and check out our Action Alerts to join us in our work. |
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$12 Million in NYC Budget for FY2019!On June 14, the City Council voted to adopt the City’s FY2019 budget, which includes $12m for adult literacy. $8 million will be on the administration’s side, and $4 million will come from the Council. The City Council has actually already made its decisions on the $4m (see document pages 13-14).
It is our understanding that the Administration’s portion is not baselined, but will be targeted to DYCD literacy programs. Note there is no written confirmation of this, and so we will be in touch with DYCD & the Mayor’s Office to encourage the full amount of resources be devoted to that purpose. Thank you for all your hard work and thank you to all the City Council Members who showed us so much support: |
#LiteracyLiftsNYC Rally June 6, 2018
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On Wednesday, June 6, over 1,200 of our students, teachers, program staff, advocates, and allies filled the blocks outside City Hall to send a clear message to the New York City Mayor, Bill De Blasio, about the importance of funding Adult Literacy.
We have had many NYCCAL rallies over the years, but this was one of the best yet, with over 30 participating organizations, fantastic student speakers, and creative signs. And perhaps my favorite moment, the crowd participation in the closing song, “Imagine” by John Lennon. We were also joined by Council Members Mark Treyger, Carlos Menchaca, Chaim Deutsch, Deborah Rose, and Margaret Chin, and a number of media outlets. The fight isn’t over, so the NYCCAL Advocacy Committee will continue to try to coordinate a presence at City Hall to lobby Council Members in support of adult literacy as they enter and exit budget negotiations- let us know if you’d like to participate in that. Press Coverage: CBS 880 https://wcbs880.radio.com/articles/cuts-adult-literacy-programs-spark-protests-immigrants-teachers Telemundo 47 (two different clips) https://www.telemundo47.com/noticias/local/Ola-de-marchas-contra-recortes-en-educaci_n-para-adulto_TLMD---Nueva-York-484758111.html https://www.telemundo47.com/noticias/local/Recortes-a-programas-de-educaci_n-para-adultos_TLMD---Nueva-York-484720191.html |
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Adult Literacy Receives $12 M in FY 18 City Budget!
On June 6, 2017, the city budget was voted on and passed by the New York City Council. Based on the budget documents & press releases we’ve seen so far, we are confident the $12m for Adult Literacy is in the budget. While the funding was not baselined, this is a significant victory that we can build on moving forward. We will continue to work in the days and weeks ahead to see what is possible in terms of rate adjustments, so stay tuned. Thank you to everyone who participated in the advocacy effort—all your hard work paid off! NYCCAL would also like to thank all our elected representative who supported this initiative. A special shout out to New York City Council Member Carlos Menchaca, Finance Chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.
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NYCCAL Calls on Mayor DiBlasio to Restore $12M for Adult Literacy Classes
Over 800 immigrants and adult learners will gather for a press conference and rally at City Hall Park on May 31st at 10:30am to call demand the Mayor restore funding for community based adult literacy classes. This rally is the culmination of a series of similar rallies held in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx over the last month, designed to draw attention to the 5,700 students across the City whose classes are currently slated for closure in the City budget. The press conference and rally are organized by the New York City Coalition for Adult Literacy (NYCCAL), a citywide coalition of community based organizations, CUNY programs, libraries, and union training programs. Students, teachers and allies will be joined by Public Advocate Letitia James, Council Immigration Chair Carlos Menchaca, Council Members Alan Maisel, Mathieu Eugene and other elected officials. #LiteracyLiftsNYC |
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Background
2.2 million adult New Yorkers currently lack English proficiency and/or a high school diploma – 1/3 of the entire adult population of the city – yet the Mayor’s Executive Budget cuts $12m in funding from adult literacy classes included in last year’s budget.
Literacy programs provide a pathway to economic mobility, social integration, parent-child engagement, improved health outcomes and improved community safety. However, these programs are dramatically underfunded and less than 3% of those in need can access adult education programming. A 2015 survey by NYCCAL revealed at least 15,000 New Yorkers were on waitlists for adult literacy classes where they sometimes waited for over a year.
In order to make New York a true Sanctuary City, advocates say opportunities for immigrant education must be preserved and baselined in future budgets.
2.2 million adult New Yorkers currently lack English proficiency and/or a high school diploma – 1/3 of the entire adult population of the city – yet the Mayor’s Executive Budget cuts $12m in funding from adult literacy classes included in last year’s budget.
Literacy programs provide a pathway to economic mobility, social integration, parent-child engagement, improved health outcomes and improved community safety. However, these programs are dramatically underfunded and less than 3% of those in need can access adult education programming. A 2015 survey by NYCCAL revealed at least 15,000 New Yorkers were on waitlists for adult literacy classes where they sometimes waited for over a year.
In order to make New York a true Sanctuary City, advocates say opportunities for immigrant education must be preserved and baselined in future budgets.
(Edwin J. Torres/Mayoral Photo Office)
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Editorial Opinions
Investing in Adult Literacy Will Lift Up New York City's Immigrant Communities by Julia Jean-Francois and Council Member Carlos Menchaca May 28, 2017 Now More Than Ever, the City Must Invest in Adult Literacy by Council Member Daniel Dromm and Theo Oshiro May 25, 2017 |
Bronx Rally for Adult Literacy
May 22, 2017
May 22, 2017
Press Coverage
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Participants:
Mercy Center SOBRO Bronx Community College BronxWorks The Door, Bronx Youth Center Borough of Manhattan Community College UJA Federation of NY New York Immigration Coalition United Neighborhood Houses |
Queens Rally for Adult Literacy
May 16, 2017
May 16, 2017
Press Coverage
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Participants:
Jacob Riis Neighborhood Settlement La Guardia Community College; Center for Immigrant Education and Training + Adult Basic Skills Department Make the Road New York Queens Community House Queensborough Community College Chinese American Planning Council International Center Flushing YMCA New Americans Welcome Center Fortune Society Sunnyside Community Services United Neighborhood Houses |
Brooklyn Rally for Adult Literacy
May 10, 2017
May 10, 2017
Press Coverage
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Participants:
Arab American Association of NY Arab American Family Support Center Chinese-American Planning Council CAMBA CUNY City Tech Edith & Carl Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst Fifth Avenue Committee Goodwill Industries Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney lsland Literacy Assistance Center Make the Road New York Medgar Evers College Neighborhood Family Services Coalition New York Immigration Coalition Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow Shorefront YM-YWHA St. Nicks Alliance UJA Federation of New York United Neighborhood Houses YMCA of Greater NY 
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