​The Impact of COVID-19 on NYC Adult Literacy Programs and Students

July 9, 2020 – The Literacy Assistance Center (LAC) has released a new report on “The Impact of COVID-19 on NYC Adult Literacy Programs and Students,” based on findings from a survey the LAC conducted in May 2020 of adult education program staff in New York City. The report outlines the effects of COVID-19 on literacy programs and adult students, the emergency transition to remote learning, key barriers and needed supports, and the outlook for the field as the pandemic continues.

​Adult students are struggling with job and income loss, homeschooling, food and housing insecurity, caring for family members, and risks as essential workers – and these issues are exacerbated by limited reading, writing, English language, and/or digital literacy skills. Lack of access to hardware and reliable internet is a major barrier to remote education. If addressed, programs see opportunities to incorporate remote learning to serve more students at a time of increased need and demand. Staff need more training and support, and programs need sustained public funding with flexibility to adapt to the new reality.
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Read full report here: https://bit.ly/COVID19ImpactAdultEdu