In response to a Deloitte study showing the impact of low literacy on Georgia’s economy and workplace, Literacy For All, a movement to end low literacy in Georgia, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education convened a business-led commission, the Georgia Literacy Commission (Commission), comprised of Chief Executive Officers, high-ranking business executives, and government agency heads from across the state. The Georgia Literacy Commission held meetings throughout Georgia and heard from state and private experts who shared data-driven content relating to every age learner to explore the lifecycle of low literacy, understand root causes and motivation for positive change, and identify a blueprint for sustainable, practical, aligned, and actionable solutions that could be executed at the state and local levels.

Literacy For All is taking the lead to implement the Commission’s recommended initiatives for literacy improvements. Implementation of the Commission’s initiatives will create a culture of literacy in communities throughout Georgia leading to prepared local workforces and thriving economies.

Synovus, based in Columbus, has a deep commitment to community outreach through acts of service and financial giving that strengthen the state’s communities.  That commitment has made it possible for the Georgia Literacy Commission initiatives to be launched as pilot programs in Colquitt, Lowndes, Bibb, and Richmond Counties.

The pilot program will test e-Sources that have been developed as tools for communities to implement the Commission’s initiatives focusing on summer and afterschool programs and housing communities. The e-Sources also provide suggested practices for marketing and expanding adult literacy programs.

“Synovus is pleased to partner with Literacy For All to launch the implementation of the Georgia Literacy Commission’s literacy initiatives in four communities throughout Georgia,” stated Alison Dowe, Chief Communications and Corporate Responsibility Officer.

Literacy For All is also partnering with Georgia Family Connection Partnership coordinators, Department of Early Care and Learning Empowerment Zone directors and Community Foundations in Colquitt, Lowndes, Bibb, and Richmond Counties to launch the pilot program. An expansive list of community stakeholders including representatives from literacy and education nonprofit organizations, school system personnel, housing authority representatives, elected officials, private business representatives, chambers of commerce presidents and others are involved in testing the Commission’s e-Sources as they implement literacy initiatives.