Adult Literacy Organizations to Receive Funding Boost
After months of uncertainty, adult literacy organizations that weren’t selected earlier for city contracts will receive funding to continue their programming thanks to a one-time, $10 million infusion funded by City Council initiatives for fiscal year 2025.
Restoration Funding Helps Providers Continue Programming
The restoration funding comes after the DYCD updated its formula for allocating the adult education funds, which providers bid on through Requests for Proposals (RFPs). This time, DYCD selected providers within certain Census-based geographic communities called “Neighborhood Tabulation Areas,” targeting locations with low English proficiency and educational attainment, and high poverty rates.
Impact on Providers
Sunnyside Community Services (SCS) in Queens, for example, lost all of its DYCD funding after June 30, had to let go of four full-time staff and nine instructors, and closed over 89 percent of its classes. After being notified of the Council’s funding in mid-September and beginning recruitment for ESOL classes, SCS began offering courses again on Oct. 8.
RiseBoro, a Brooklyn organization, had a man who was caring for his son while living in a homeless shelter, had enrolled in their high school equivalency program, but failed a portion of his exam and couldn’t continue it. However, after the funding was restored, he was able to return to the program and is now studying for the exam.
Increase in Adult Literacy Programming
Despite the gaps in funding, according to DYCD, there will be an increase in adult literacy programming this year: 61 programs compared to 40 last fiscal year. Of the 40 providers awarded contracts, 16 are new to the competition: four were awarded funds for adolescent literacy, seven for adult education and high school equivalency courses, and five for bilingual education and ESOL.
The city is expected to provide adult literacy programs to more than 17,000 New Yorkers, including those funded by both DYCD and the Council’s discretionary money.
Uncertain Futures
Many providers are now facing a shorter implementation period as they have less time to develop their programs, and they also face uncertainty about their future funding past June 2025.
Council’s Discretionary Funding
The Council’s $10 million in discretionary funding for adult literacy initiatives-encompassing adult education, high school equivalency, bilingual education, and ESOL classes-will allow providers to fill the gaps in funding and continue their programming.
The Council’s discretionary funding will also allow providers to restart their ESOL classes, such as Sunnyside Community Services and Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the restoration of funding for adult literacy programs is a crucial step forward in providing critical services to often underrepresented communities. While there are still many challenges ahead, the impact of this funding will have a lasting effect on thousands of New Yorkers.
FAQs
What is the amount of restoration funding provided to adult literacy organizations?
The restoration funding is one-time, $10 million infusion funded by City Council initiatives for fiscal year 2025.
What is the DYCD’s updated formula for allocating adult education funds?
The updated formula targets locations with low English proficiency and educational attainment, and high poverty rates, selecting providers within certain Census-based geographic communities called “Neighborhood Tabulation Areas.”
Which organizations will receive the restoration funding?
All providers that weren’t selected for DYCD contracts or weren’t awarded the same funding through the agency as prior years will receive the difference from the Council’s discretionary bucket.
What is the impact on providers?
Some providers, like Sunnyside Community Services, had to close classes and lay off staff due to the lack of funding, while others were able to continue their programs with the restored funding. The restoration funding will also allow providers to restart ESOL classes and continue offering adult literacy programming.
Is the funding permanent?
No, the Council’s discretionary funding for adult literacy initiatives is for fiscal year 2025 only, and providers’ futures are uncertain past June 2025. Advocacy efforts will be made to secure funding for next year’s budget cycle.
