Literacy is the key to solving .
All the things I worry about in life would be better if more people could read, write, and comprehend.”
Featuring special events across the country and the launch of a new family literacy network, this yearlong celebration will honor Barbara Bush’s extraordinary legacy of literacy and reaffirm our shared commitment to carrying on the work that she began.
The Foundation was joined by Gov. Jeb Bush and New York Times bestselling authors Jessica Soffer and Coco Mellors, and launched a new nationwide series of family literacy activations at the Coral Gables Branch Library.
This event featured appearances by Brooke Shields, Lauren Bush Lauren, Jessamine Chan, Kirsten Miller, Miss New York 2024 Abigail Quammen, and MSNBC’s Ali Velshi, kicking off the yearlong Barbara Bush Centennial initiative.
“Literacy is everyone’s business. Period.”
– Barbara Bush
Literacy is the foundation on which we build full, productive lives – as individuals, as communities, and as a nation. Yet 54% of U.S. adults read below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level, and 64% of our country’s fourth graders do not read proficiently. This multigenerational challenge impacts all of us, and it is linked to some of today’s most pressing concerns, from economic growth and public health to community safety and civic engagement. National Center for Education Statistics. Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/piaac/state-county-estimates.asp#4
challenge in our
highest-risk
communities.
struggle to fill out
a form. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), 2012/2014/2017 https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/piaac/skillsmap/src/PDF/STATE.pdf.
Improving every
aspect of life
For over 35 years, we’ve been changing lives through literacy. Our high-quality programs and resources help parents and children nationwide build literacy skills. Through our research and education initiatives, we drive multisector engagement in solving our country’s literacy challenge.
LEARN MOREDonate to invest
in our country’s future
By investing in literacy, we can strengthen families, communities, and businesses across the United States. Help us solve today’s most pressing issues.
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A legacy of literacy
Our founder, Barbara Bush, knew that literacy is key to improving lives. As the nation’s leading advocate for family literacy, we’re continuing her mission.
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