Send an email to the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner

Over 2 million adult New Yorkers in NYC have limited English skills or lack a high school diploma. Less than 3% of those adults who need classes are able to study because there just aren’t enough free classes.

Classes can transform people’s lives in very important ways: When New Yorkers have better English and high school diplomas or GED certificates they are better able to support themselves and their families financially, as well as to support their children’s learning, access city services, contribute to the city’s economy, defend their rights and get more involved in their communities. 

The need for classes is greater now than ever: In addition to those who’ve been looking for free classes for years without luck, now tens of thousands of asylum seekers have come to NYC and they need educational support too.

Yet Mayor Adams has proposed a budget for next year that includes a $6 million cut to Adult Literacy funding and doesn’t include enough additional money to cover what it really costs to serve students.

The Mayor’s administration must restore and expand Adult Literacy Education funding! This means: 

  • BASELINE $21.8 million in city Adult Literacy programs through the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).
  • As part of that, RESTORE $6 million that the Mayor is cutting and ADD an additional $5 million to sustain community-based adult literacy services at the new per-student rate that will take effect in FY25.

Sample Email to Send to Keith S. Howard, DYCD Commissioner

Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME].

I am a student in English classes at Make the Road New York.

Over 2 million adults in New York City need adult literacy classes to learn English or get a GED. Yet, the Mayor’s budget cuts $6 million for classes and needs $5 million more to help programs cover the cost of offering classes.

We have one request: please baseline $21.8 million dollars for adult literacy funding in the final City budget.

Regards,

[YOUR NAME AND LAST NAME]

[YOUR ADDRESS]

SEND AN EMAIL TO THE COMMISSIONER NOW!