Strengthening Our Workforce from Within: Adult Education’s Role in Furthering Economic Growth in Greater New Orleans

Today’s workers need strong abilities in reading, writing, numeracy, and computers if they are to adapt to rapidly evolving industries. Yet 27 percent of New Orleans’ workforce may lack these literacy skills—a rate higher than the U.S. and many other cities. Workforce development is the next logical priority in our efforts to develop a robust economy that can compete with the likes of Raleigh, NC and Houston, TX. Creating an effective workforce development system will require high level leadership and a sustained commitment from economic development organizations, employers, educators, trainers, support service organizations, and Workforce Investment Boards.