September is National Literacy month. Since it was established in 1967 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, celebrations of International Literacy Day have taken place annually on Sep. 8. This year’s theme is “Promoting literacy in the digital era.”

Lest you think literacy is just a third world problem, it is not! Fifty-nine million adults in the United States lack basic reading, writing, math and computer skills. Approximately two thirds of those adults with low literacy were born in this county. Since 2017 literacy in the US has decreased by 11% and numeric (math) literacy has decreased by 5%. Our country now ranks 14th in literacy skills and 24th in numeracy skills out of 31 nations.

Literacy impacts every major social issue. Recent survey results (November 2024) indicate that low literacy costs the US economy over $300 billion in lost wages, lower workplace productivity and higher crime. Employers say they lose $46 billion due to employees’ low literacy skills. An additional $215 billion in health care costs are linked to low literacy.

Being able to read and write gives people choices and hope. It can lift them out of poverty. Those with literacy skills at or below level 1 are four times more likely to live in poverty. Children born to parents with low literacy skills are less likely to be literate thus perpetuating poverty and other related socioeconomic issues.

Low reading and writing literacy also impact other types of literacy. They can hinder the ability to use information to make smart health decisions (health literacy), to make sound numerical judgments when navigating daily life (math and financial literacy), to create information using digital technologies (digital literacy) and to be able to critically analyze journalistic content (news literacy).

Nationwide literacy programs continue to have long student waiting lists, less than 10% of adults in need are receiving services and Monterey County is no different. To expand access, we need to think differently about what adult literacy and education mean in the 21st century and how they impact the economic viability of our country.

Why do learners enroll in literacy programs? They want to prepare for a better job, earn their GED, read to their children, obtain employment certification or become a U.S. citizen. In a nutshell, they want to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Once again, I applaud Sarah Hoeffel, the literacy program manager for Monterey County Free Libraries, and her assistant Susan Braga for their creative approaches to literacy. One of this year’s highlights was a reader’s theater of Matilde. Hoeffel and her team are currently working on developing community partnerships around literacy. Please contact her if your organization is interested. In addition, she is working on a series of nutrition workshops (health literacy).

If you are interested in making a tangible difference in someone’s life by becoming a literacy tutor, contact Hoeffel at 831.883.7597 or hoeffels@co.monterey.ca.us. The requirements are few and the rewards are enormous. I know. I have been a literacy tutor for more than seven years. It has enriched my life far beyond what I could imagine.

Mary Jeanne Vincent, career expert and strategist, has a coaching practice in Monterey. She may be reached at (831) 657-9151, mjv@careercoachmjv.com, or www.careercoachmonterey.com

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