
Literacy and Economic Development
Literacy and Economic
Development Summit
April 7, 2021
River Center Branch Library
250 North Boulevard, 4th floor | Baton Rouge, LA 70802
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Louisiana continually ranks in the bottom three among the nation’s states, with our performance scores on a decline from the 2017 report. Collaboration is critical in overcoming barriers that have prevented Louisiana’s success in educational attainment, workforce development, and economic prosperity.
To address our state’s significant challenges, the Center for Development and Learning hosted the Literacy and Economic Development Summit on April 7, 2021 at the East Baton Rouge Library River Center Branch. The Summit included business and industry leaders, educational advocates, experts, and policymakers, elected officials, and other stakeholders and leaders from throughout Louisiana to discuss the intersection of literacy and economic development. The Summit attendees were joined by education and business leaders from other states who have seen great success with education reform. As a result of the Literacy and Economic Development Summit, we will identify a shared goal, strategies, and next steps to address the challenges preventing Louisiana from developing young, strong readers.