Cities, regions, and the nation as a whole cannot attract new business and remain global competitiors without a literate, skilled workforce. Adults with less than a high school dipolma earn 28% less than high school graduates, 42% less than those with an Associate degree and 56% less than those with a Bachelor's degree. 43% of people with the lowest literacy skills live in poverty; 17% recieve food stamps, and 70% have no job or only a part time job.