Introduction to the Decline in Adult Literacy Programs
The number of participants in city-funded adult literacy classes, including those for immigrant New Yorkers learning English, has dropped significantly. As of December, there was a 48.3 percent decrease in the number of participants compared to the same period the previous year. This decline is particularly concerning given the high demand for such services, especially after the arrival of over 231,000 migrants and asylum seekers in the city over the past three years.
Background on the Demand for Adult Literacy Services
The demand for adult literacy programs, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, has spiked significantly in recent years. This increase is largely due to the influx of migrants and asylum seekers who require these services to integrate into the community. Despite this high demand, the number of participants in these programs has decreased substantially.
Changes in Funding Allocation
The New York City Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) implemented a new formula for awarding funding to program providers, which has contributed to the decline in participants. The new contract cycle, which includes the finalization of grants and the startup of new programs, has resulted in a decrease in the number of participants. DYCD developed new Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for vendors to bid on, targeting specific census-based geographic communities with high poverty rates and low English proficiency and educational attainment.
Impact of the New Contracting Process
The changes to the contracting process have had a significant impact on the number of participants in adult literacy programs. At the start of the fiscal year, several longtime adult education providers were forced to postpone or temporarily cancel classes due to the transition to the new contract cycle. Additionally, DYCD did not receive proposals for several targeted areas, requiring a search for other providers. Two bidders also withdrew from the process, further complicating the allocation of funds.
Response from DYCD
DYCD remains committed to providing critical literacy programs to communities with the greatest need. The agency has selected new providers to fill the positions left vacant by the withdrawn bidders and is working to ensure that services are delivered to the targeted communities. DYCD spokesperson Mark Zustovich stated that the agency is focused on providing these critical services and that the City Council’s discretionary funding supports not-for-profit organizations addressing local priorities.
Current Status and Future Plans
As of December, there were approximately 5,071 participants in city-funded adult literacy classes, down from 9,811 during the same period the previous year. The target for this fiscal year is to serve 14,312 participants, which is lower than the number of people served in the previous two years. DYCD will continue to coordinate with contracted providers to ensure that they are making progress toward their enrollment goals.
Conclusion
The decline in participants in city-funded adult literacy classes is a concerning trend, particularly given the high demand for these services. The changes to the contracting process have contributed to this decline, and it is essential that DYCD and the City Council work together to ensure that these critical services are delivered to the communities that need them most. By providing adequate funding and support, the city can help to address the needs of its most vulnerable populations and promote greater social and economic mobility.
FAQs
Q: What has caused the decline in participants in city-funded adult literacy classes?
A: The decline is largely due to the changes in the contracting process implemented by DYCD, including the new formula for awarding funding to program providers and the transition to a new contract cycle.
Q: How many participants are currently enrolled in city-funded adult literacy classes?
A: As of December, there were approximately 5,071 participants, down from 9,811 during the same period the previous year.
Q: What is the target number of participants for this fiscal year?
A: The target is to serve 14,312 participants, which is lower than the number of people served in the previous two years.
Q: How is DYCD responding to the decline in participants?
A: DYCD is working to ensure that services are delivered to the targeted communities and has selected new providers to fill the positions left vacant by withdrawn bidders.
Q: What role does the City Council play in funding adult literacy programs?
A: The City Council provides discretionary funding to support not-for-profit organizations addressing local priorities, including adult literacy programs.
