MAACCE In the United States, 59 million adults read at or below the lowest levels. Only a small percentage of those in need receive services, and many programs have waiting lists due to high demand. Low literacy levels are associated with lower earnings, higher poverty rates, and increased health care costs. The importance of adult education as a solution is emphasized.
*FY24 High School Equivalency (HSE) classes only (52.5% of the total). As reported on US ED NRS Table 3, 47.5% of AEL services were provided to students not seeking HSE. 3
FY24 Total Funding $14,863,591 X 52.5% = $7,803,385.27 and FY24 State Funding $4,864,422 X 52.5% = $2,553,821.55
**HSE enrollment reported on US ED NRS Table 3, first four rows. HSE attainment reported on US ED NRS Table 4, column M. 3
Sources:
1 NASDAE Adult Education Program Fact Sheets (Missouri)
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau
3 US ED National Reporting System for Adult Education
4 FY26 Missouri DSS Budget Request (pages 312-319)
5 FY26 Missouri DESE Budget Request (pages 213-219)