By 2020, more than 67 percent of jobs in Illinois will require postsecondary education or training. Yet, three million adults lack education beyond high school. The effects of this shocking educational gap are widespread, not only felt by these underserved adults and their families, but causing economic ripples across Illinois. Adult education saves the government millions of dollars by reducing the need for state-subsidized programs such as public aid, housing, unemployment, food stamps, Medicaid and corrections. For every dollar spent on adult education, Illinois is paid back $2.50. Recognizing this connection between literacy and the state’s overall wellbeing, the Chicago Citywide Literacy Coalition (CCLC) aims to improve the quality and build the capacity of adult basic education programs in Illinois through work with and support of 40 organizations over the last ten years. This month, the CCLC was one of 24 nationally-recognized XPRIZE award recipients. As a result, the CCLC will be given a code to distribute, providing any adult learner with free access to an app that will help them with their reading and writing. On Thursday, March 28, the CCLC will host their 4th annual Beyond Books award ceremony at the Newberry Library. This year they will honor Julie Morita, Commissioner of Chicago Department of Public Health, as the Literacy Leader Award winner, placing a focus on the many ways in which literacy and health intersect.