Federal Policy Impact on BeLit— and How You Can Help

Recent federal policy shifts are creating challenges for BeLit and the communities we serve. Threatened funding cuts put critical adult education programs at risk, while new restrictions have forced us to remove DEI values-related language from our federal grant contracts—despite the fact that our mission is rooted in providing equitable learning opportunities for all.

Most alarming, fear among our English language learners has grown, with many hesitant to leave home for classes due to heightened safety concerns. As a result, more of these vulnerable Philadelphians now require remote learning options—but too many lack access to a laptop.

BeLit's ESOL teacher, Christine Zopf, shares, "Before January 20, large groups of students attended my classes in-person, most travelling to school using SEPTA. Now, they're fearful to leave their homes. They're committed to their English studies, but many face technology barriers that make it difficult to attend class virtually. Giving laptops to my students would have a tremendous impact on their ability to continue learning while staying safe."

How You Can Help!

We urgently need laptops for our learners who must transition to online classes. You can make a difference by:

💻 Donating a used laptop—a functional device can be a lifeline for a student in need.

💲 Giving $200—this allows BeLit to purchase a new, low-cost laptop for a learner in need.

Your support helps BeLit students continue their education safely. To donate a laptop or contribute to this effort, please click the button below.

Thank you for standing with our students to keep learning accessible for all!

Advocacy Works:

Help Us Change the Narrative on Adult Literacy & Secure Critical Funding

Adult literacy is often misunderstood as simply learning to read and write, but at BeLit, we know it’s so much more. It’s upskilling under-employed adults, empowering caregivers, and breaking the cycle of generational poverty. BeLit’s leadership has been actively engaging with state and local decision-makers to highlight the critical role adult education plays in workforce development and economic mobility.

Equipping adults with skills needed to access better jobs not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens entire communities -- especially in Philadelphia, where unemployment remains stubbornly higher than in our nation’s peer cities. Investing in adult literacy isn’t just about education—it’s about job growth, economic stability, and a stronger future for all.

Our advocacy is working! Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed a $6.4 million increase to the Adult and Family Education line item in the state budget—a 9% boost for adult upskilling programs across PA! The Governor explains:

"Today there are 650,000 Pennsylvania adults who do not have a high school degree — that’s hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians with untapped potential. Many of these individuals want to advance their careers, but need help developing the reading, writing, and math skills most jobs require. 

Pennsylvania’s 54 adult literacy centers provide the training and education folks need to get a job, keep a job, and get a better job. However, more than 7,500 people are stuck on their waitlists because they don’t have enough funding. These classes are the bridge to more people getting a GED. That’s why this budget invests $6 million in these critical adult literacy centers — to create real opportunity for Pennsylvanians."

This recognition of adult education as a workforce development priority is a huge step forward. But it’s not a done deal.

The proposed increase requires widespread support to become reality. Now is the time to urge your legislators to support this overdue, high-impact investment in Pennsylvania’s workforce.

Please champion our state's adult learners by taking action today and sending a letter of support! Click here to locate contact information for your PA state senator and representative. Then click the button below for a pre-drafted letter/email template (feel free to customize). Together, we can help secure state funding our adult learning community needs - thank you!

BeLit Invited to the Global Stage

As the premier global gathering of literacy change-makers, the World Literacy Summit unites visionary leaders from 85 countries, representing over two-thirds of the world’s population, in a shared mission—to ignite action, drive innovation, and transform lives through literacy.

This spring, our leadership will join thought leaders in Oxford, England, exchanging groundbreaking strategies and championing solutions that empower learners worldwide. BeLit is honored to be invited to take the global stage and share our expertise in breaking down barriers to adult education for communities that are hardest to reach. Read more here.