MHS and Indy Reads Partner to Spread Literacy Education
Date: 08/01/18
Right now, you are reading this blog post. It may be easy for you, but it’s difficult for thousands in Central Indiana. Indy Reads says over 49,000 adults in the region cannot read well enough to:
- Complete a job application
- Understand a newspaper
- Take in the meaning of road signs
- Comprehend written instructions
Indy Reads says 1 in 6 adults in Indiana read below a 5th grade level. But it’s not just in the Hoosier state. According to Proliteracy.org:
- More than 36 million adults in the U.S. cannot read, write, or do basic math above a third grade level
- Low literacy costs the U.S. $225 billion or more each year in non-productivity in the workforce, crime, and unemployment costs
- 43% of adults with the lowest literacy levels live in poverty
- More than 1.2 million people drop out of high school every year
- 2 million immigrants come to the U.S. each year, and about 50% of them lack proficient English language skills
- 75% of state prison inmates did not complete high school or can be classified as low literate
MHS is proud to partner with Indy Reads. They provide literacy education to adults who struggle to read and write. The goal is to make Indianapolis 100% literate.
HIP members can earn up to $175 per year in CentAccount rewards by participating in literacy classes. PLUS, HIP members can get FREE transportation from Lyft to get to and from classes!
Starting next year, some Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) members will be required to work, go to school, volunteer, or participate in other qualifying Gateway to Work activities up to 20 hours a week for at least eight months a year. Indy Reads classes will help HIP members earn hours.
Do you struggle with reading and writing? Do you have a family member or friend who can’t read? We can help! Learn more at mhsindiana.com/indyreads.