WHEREAS, adults need to be prepared for a changing economy through upskilling and training; and

WHEREAS, over 20,000 Virginians seek to strengthen their academic knowledge and English skills each year by enrolling in adult education programs to prepare for high-wage, in-demand careers in a changing economy; and

WHEREAS, in program year 2023–2024, adult education programs in Virginia enrolled 4,527 students between the ages of 16 and 24 in workforce development services that address learning loss by supporting employment, retention, earnings, and occupational skills attainment; and

WHEREAS, in program year 2023–2024, 2,595 adult learners in Virginia were enrolled in Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs that combine basic education with job training, aligning instruction with real-world employment goals to help learners build skills and advance more quickly along career pathways that lead to family-sustaining wages; and

WHEREAS, in program year 2023–2024, adult education in Virginia offered a critical path for successful reentry for 1,015 incarcerated individuals, with 40 percent of those students participating in an IET program to earn an industry credential and employability skills, ultimately reducing the recidivism rate; and

WHEREAS, Virginia celebrates Adult Education and Family Literacy Week as a proud participant in the national Educate & Elevate Campaign, which prepares our citizens for further education, employment, and training;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 15–19, 2025, as ADULT EDUCATION AND FAMILY LITERACY WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.