Houston’s Adult Literacy Blueprint

Literacy has become a global metric to assess the health and vibrancy of cities, as it is linked to nearly every community indicator, including crime, employment, health, and more. Yet, 1 in 3 adults in Harris County is functionally illiterate. Low literacy rates impact all of us.

For example, in an analysis conducted by Gallup as part of the development of Houston’s Adult Literacy Blueprint, helping adults at the lowest level of functioning literacy level gain the skills to reach the next level would result in an average increase in personal income of $13,000 annually and $13 billion to Houston’s Gross Domestic Product.

Houston's Adult Literacy Blueprint delineates a first-time strategic and coordinated plan, in partnership with the Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy, to ensure that more adults across our city receive a second chance in life through the development of strong foundational and digital literacy skills, as well as essential workforce skills needed to thrive in our global economy and society.

Download the Blueprint

Download the Executive Summary

Houston’s Adult Literacy Blueprint Community Impact

100+

Stakeholders Engaged

2,500+

Hours Invested

99

Research Reports Used

Learn More About Houston's Adult Literacy Blueprint

Story of Impact

Hear Chau’s Story and how investing in improving her literacy skills has impacted her life.

What people are saying…

“At The Alliance, we actively apply the seven goals of Houston’s Adult Literacy Blueprint every day, especially the ones about creating awareness, using data, and establishing sustainability. For us, the Blueprint has made a big difference in the lives of people who really need it and helped to galvanize our unity of purpose with other stakeholders all across the city.” — Dr. David Joost, Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer of The Alliance

“Addressing the systemic crisis of low functional literacy requires a concerted effort to bring together partners working at all points along the literacy continuum. The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation understands this. Their vision and leadership helped the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy in Houston adopt the only strategic plan for adult literacy in the nation. Without their support, it would have been impossible to have the quality plan we have to lead the way forward.”

— Federico Salas-Isnardi, Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy Director