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Over the past two weeks, adult literacy advocates across New York raised their voices together for stronger investment in adult education. From classrooms across New York City to the halls of the State Capitol in Albany, teachers, students, program leaders, and allies came together to advocate for adult learners and the programs that support them. A Day in AlbanyLast Thursday, members of the New York City Coalition for Adult Literacy (NYCCAL) traveled to Albany alongside our statewide partners at NYACCE for State Advocacy Day. Advocates met with legislators and their staff to talk about the impact of adult literacy programs and the urgent need to expand access to them. We’re grateful to the many legislators who took the time to meet with us and hear directly from educators and program leaders about what adult education makes possible. Thank you to the offices of:
During these meetings, we shared two key priorities for the FY2027 state budget:
The need is clear. 3.9 million adult New Yorkers have limited English proficiency or do not yet have a high school diploma or HSE. Yet fewer than 3% are served each year through state-funded adult literacy programs. Adult education helps people access better jobs, support their children in school, improve their health, and participate more fully in their communities. Advocacy in the ClassroomAdvocacy Day was not only happening in Albany. Across the city, teachers led advocacy lessons in their classrooms, helping students learn about how adult education is funded and why their voices matter. Students reflected on what their classes mean to them by completing prompts such as: “My Adult Literacy Class Means…” or “Adult Literacy Means…”  Their responses were thoughtful and powerful. Students wrote about how their classes help them communicate with doctors, help their children with school, find better jobs, and pursue long-held goals. Some spoke about rebuilding careers after immigrating. Others wrote about the confidence they’ve gained through learning. Many described adult education as a pathway to opportunity, growth, and dignity. Read more in their own words here on this Padlet from a Literacy Partners class. A Community EffortThis advocacy push was made possible by many people across the adult education community. We want to thank the teachers who facilitated advocacy lessons and helped students find their voices. We thank the students who shared their experiences and spoke about why adult education matters in their lives. And we thank the program administrators, staff, and advocates who traveled to Albany and helped amplify this message across their programs and networks.  Looking AheadAdult learners are ready to build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Now New York must invest in that future. Our priorities remain: 📚 Invest $15 million in Adult Literacy Education 🛡️ Pass the New York for All Act 🔗 Learn more in our advocacy one-pager: https://t.ly/BszA5 Because access to education, at any age, should never be out of reach. Comments are closed.
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NYCCALThe New York City Coalition for Adult Literacy (NYCCAL) is comprised of adult literacy teachers, managers, students, and allies from community -based organizations, CUNY campuses, and library programs across NYC. Archives
March 2026
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