Nearly 40% of adults in Southwest Indiana function at the two lowest levels of literacy; and approximately 20% of adults age 18 and older do not have a high school diploma or GED.
This lack of adequate education deprives too many of our friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members of the opportunity to participate fully in the economic, civic, and cultural life of our community. It also affects every community member – regardless of literacy or education level – in numerous direct and indirect ways.
Can you imagine how terrifying, embarrassing and frustrating life would be if you couldn't read the label on a new prescription? Review your bank statement? Read a storm warning scrolling on the bottom of the TV screen? Or simply follow the instructions for a new recipe?
A majority of nearly every local government’s annual budget – supported by your taxes – funds public assistance programs; and between two-thirds and three-quarters of those who rely on these programs perform at the two lowest literacy levels.
Enhancing the culture for learning impacts property taxes and frees up more money for initiatives that improve quality of life.
A majority of nearly every local government’s annual budget – supported by your taxes – funds public assistance programs; and between two-thirds and three-quarters of those who rely on these programs perform at the two lowest literacy levels.
Enhancing the culture for learning impacts property taxes and frees up more money for initiatives that improve quality of life.
In 2002, the average health care cost for adults with low literacy skills, many of whom are uninsured or under-insured, was four times higher than for the average American due in part to misreading medication labels, misunderstanding physician instructions and other patient errors.
Providing opportunities for community members to enhance their literacy skills is one way to help control skyrocketing healthcare costs.
The 1992 National Adult Literacy Survey indicates that minority populations, and especially those for whom English is a second language, are more likely to be functionally or marginally illiterate (than native English-speaking populations). According to March 1999 census data, 22.7% of families with Hispanic origins are below the poverty level, compared to 6.1% of families of a non-Hispanic, white origin.
Supporting and promoting ESL programs increases minority population earning potential and decreases reliance on and/or unintentional abuse of social services.
While it cost an average of $22,650 to keep an inmate incarcerated for just one year in 2004, it cost the state of Indiana just $583 to enroll an inmate in an adult education program for the same period.
Research shows that education increases opportunity and decreases crime rates.
Many businesses look at the percentage of adults in the workforce with a high school-level education as an indicator of the ability of a community’s workforce to adapt and learn new skills.
A better-educated population means a better-prepared and more productive workforce, and enhances our community’s ability to attract new businesses.
The fact that the list of ways the entire community is affected by individuals’ lack of adequate education could go on and on is why SINE is dedicated to creating a culture for lifelong learning.
Because of SINE’s investment of more than $10 million in local literacy and education providers, free GED testing is now available to many students. Teachers can take advantage of increased and enhanced training opportunities. Computer literacy training can be conducted on modern computers. English as a Second Language programs are more readily available. Local libraries, schools and service providers can purchase books and materials, hire teachers and tutors, and do so much more.
With your support, SINE will do even more. Please consider contributing to SINE today!