Supporting Immigrants Through Education and Empowerment
At Literacyworks, we believe that access to education and reliable information is a fundamental right for all individuals, regardless of immigration status. In today’s uncertain climate, many immigrant communities face fear and instability. That’s why we are dedicated to providing transparent, trustworthy, and empowering resources to help individuals navigate life in California and the United States with confidence and dignity.
Our Immigrant Resources page connects undocumented residents with essential information about their rights, educational opportunities, legal protections, and vital community services. Whether you need guidance on workplace protections, access to higher education, or legal support, we are here to help.
Education as a Path to Empowerment
Education is one of the most powerful tools for self-advocacy and empowerment. Through our work, we have witnessed the resilience and determination of immigrants who, despite immense challenges, continue to pursue their dreams of education, stable employment, and security for their families.
At Literacyworks, we stand with our immigrant community, ensuring that knowledge and opportunities remain within reach. Our mission is to provide resources, encouragement, and support for those seeking a better future.
You Are Not Alone
If you or someone you know needs information or support, we encourage you to explore the Immigrant Resources page on our website. Knowledge is power; together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Your journey matters and Literacyworks is here to support you every step of the way.
What is the future of adult literacy programs and support under this current federal government?
The future of adult literacy programs under the current federal government is to, hopefully, at least maintain existing funding levels but, wishfully, perhaps add significant increases. The Adult Education State Grants, authorized by the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), are designed to help adults achieve literacy, obtain secondary diplomas, and transition to postsecondary education and training. For Fiscal Year 2025, the funding request for these grants remains at $715,455,000, consistent with the previous year’s allocation. Source: Department of Education CAREER, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request.
Despite the steady funding, researchers and educators express concerns that federal literacy programs for adults are increasingly insufficient to meet the growing needs. Source: Educators are trying to bring the science of reading to adult education
The lack of properly skilled workers poses a critical barrier to initiatives to boost U.S. manufacturing and job creation. Insufficient investment in adult education and training exacerbates this issue, as public funding often diminishes after age 25, leaving many workers without access to necessary financial aid.
Overall, while federal support for adult literacy programs remains constant, addressing the evolving educational needs of adults may require exploring additional funding avenues and policy adjustments to enhance program effectiveness and accessibility.
So then, what is the future of Library adult literacy programs and support under this current federal government?
The future of federal funding for library literacy programs in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget is currently uncertain. The American Library Association (ALA) has expressed alarm over proposed cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in the White House’s FY 2025 budget proposal. ALA President Emily Drabinski highlighted the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for advocacy to secure funding for America’s libraries. Source: ALA welcomes passage of FY 2024 federal budget, braces for FY 2025
In January 2025, an executive order was issued to freeze all federal loans, grants, and financial assistance, affecting agencies like the IMLS. Although this order was rescinded following public outcry and legal challenges, the incident has left libraries and arts agencies apprehensive about potential future funding cuts. Source: Future of Libraries, Arts Agencies Unclear Amid Federal Funding Freeze.
The IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services) has outlined plans to continue its initiatives, including promoting information literacy by establishing a task force and an online portal. However, realizing these plans is contingent upon finalizing the FY 2025 budget and allocating necessary funds.
Congress must finalize FY 2025 appropriations by March 14 to prevent a partial government shutdown. If lawmakers fail to act by the end of April, automatic spending cuts will take effect under the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
Given these developments, the national library literacy budget remains at risk of potential FY 2025 federal budget cuts. Stakeholders and advocates closely monitor the situation and actively engage with policymakers to emphasize the importance of sustained funding for library literacy programs.
our Students
Chris Schultz, Center Director
Each semester, the Literacyworks staff conducts one-to-one interviews with each of the participating students. These meetings are by phone, Zoom, or in person. We have been doing these interviews for several years. The purpose is to better understand the challenges our students are facing and determine if we can provide additional support. The overarching takeaway from the discussions is a sense of gratitude and sincere appreciation for the Center staff's support.
Many students talk about the overwhelming demands on time, children, jobs, and homework. In many cases, they have more than one job. Several of our students are single parents with all the demands that represent. All our participants are the first in their families to attend college, and all of them started in classes below the college level. The College provides many valuable resources to help students succeed such as tutoring, health services, and study groups. Yet, by the nature of the demands on our student’s lives, they either don’t know about the services or can’t find time to take advantage of them. Center staff direct students to these resources.
Maria has been with our program for several years. She started taking English as a Second Language classes. She works full-time to support herself and her two teenage children. She is a determined and hard-working woman. She will be starting the College’s Nursing Program next fall.
Ben is an older student who was not certain if college was right for him. He has a family and must work full time to provide support. With the encouragement of the staff, he has found confidence in his ability to succeed in school. He said during an interview that he wants to do well so his children will be proud of him and want to attend college in the future.
One of our students started in the GED program to earn a high school equivalency certificate. She struggled particularly in math. One evening, I received a call from her. She tearfully reported that she passed the math test and was ready to start taking college classes. She will graduate this May and plans to attend Sonoma State University.
Every one of our students has a unique story, but a theme runs throughout many of them: not enough time in the day, too little money, not always confident in class, a desire to improve their skills so they can get a better job, a passion to see themselves as successful.
Getting to know this group of people is a deeply meaningful aspect of the staff’s work at the Center. They are some of the most resilient and hardworking individuals that I know. Their words of appreciation for what we provide are humbling.
During the most recent round of interviews, another topic came up often—the fear of deportation and what that might mean for their family and the community.
SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS!
Our low-income students are among the most vulnerable in our community when it comes to suffering during a disaster. Because of the COVID-19 epidemic, many of our students are still suffering a loss of income and housing.
Our staff is offering additional support services to ensure our students stay in school and complete their course of study. We are proud that most have persisted and remained.
Thank you for supporting our students with your donation during this difficult time. You are making a difference in their lives with your gift.
