Adult Literacy Programs in New York City Experience Decline in Demand for Services
Decline in Demand for Adult Literacy Programs
As of December, the number of participants taking part in city-funded adult literacy classes, including immigrant New Yorkers learning English, dropped by about half (48.3%) this fiscal year compared to last. This decline comes at a time of high demand for such services, with over 231,000 migrants and asylum seekers arriving in the city over the past three years, tens of thousands of whom remain in the shelter system.
Background
The NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) implemented a new formula for awarding funding to program providers, which led to a decline in the number of participants. According to DYCD data, there were approximately 5,071 participants in these programs between July and December of 2024, down from 9,811 during the same period the year before.
New Contract Cycle and Funding Formula
DYCD developed new Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for vendors to bid on, and selected vendors within specific census-based geographic communities called “Neighborhood Tabulation Areas” (NTAs), targeting those with high poverty rates and low English proficiency and educational attainment. However, DYCD did not receive proposals for several NTAs, requiring a search for other providers. Critics of the changes had previously warned of such an outcome, as the New York City Coalition for Adult Literacy found that many targeted NTAs had no existing DYCD-funded providers, while over 70% of existing programs were not located in a targeted NTA.
Challenges and New Developments
Two bidders withdrew from the process, and DYCD has selected new providers to fill these positions, which cover programs for 125 people in Crown Heights and for another 149 participants in Bedford-Stuyvesant. As of February 19, those contracts were awaiting approval from the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services. DYCD remains committed to providing critical literacy programs to communities with the greatest need.
Conclusion
The decline in demand for adult literacy programs in New York City is a concern, particularly given the growing need for these services. While DYCD’s new formula for awarding funding has led to a decline in the number of participants, the agency remains committed to providing critical literacy programs to communities with the greatest need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the reason for the decline in demand for adult literacy programs in New York City?
A: The decline is attributed to the new formula for awarding funding to program providers, which has led to a reduction in the number of participants.
Q: How many participants are currently taking part in city-funded adult literacy classes?
A: As of December, there were approximately 5,071 participants in these programs.
Q: What is the target for this fiscal year in terms of the number of participants in adult education programs?
A: The target is to serve 14,312 participants in its adult education programs.
Q: How does the City Council’s discretionary funding for adult education programs work?
A: The City Council provides discretionary funding for adult education programs, which offer a range of classes to New Yorkers over the age of 16, including literacy, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and math.
