October 7 – Education is a lifelong process, and for those who were unable to complete their education in their youth, adult education programs can provide a second chance. Earning a high-school diploma makes individuals better qualified for the work force, for raising a family and for improving their standard of living. That’s why I cosponsored a resolution that passed the U.S. House of Representatives for National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week to raise the awareness of adult literacy programs.

 

Last year in Tennessee, more than 14,500 adults earned a high-school diploma equivalent, which will not only improve the lives of the graduate, but also the lives of their family. Children of parents who have completed high school and are employed are five times more likely to stay in school than children of unemployed parents. When parents can read, especially the mother, it gives them the confidence to be more involved in their children’s education, reading to their kids and discussing school topics.

 

American businesses lose more than $60 billion in productivity each year due to employees’ basic skill deficiencies. For our country to remain competitive in the global marketplace, more and more jobs will require advanced skills. Without adult education programs, important jobs could go unfilled holding back development or, worse yet, the jobs could go abroad to other nations.