Flashcards, Confidence, and the Climb: Why Adult Learning Needs a New Path

As a young mother and wife, I remember struggling to read a simple children’s bedtime story to my toddler. I bounced from job to job, lacking confidence and trapped in a mental fog. I wanted something different—but didn’t know where or how to begin.

Looking back, my story isn’t unique. Nearly 21% of U.S. adults today struggle with basic reading and writing, and 54% read below a sixth-grade level. This adult literacy crisis continues to hold millions back—just as it did me.

The capacity to read and write—basic literacy—affects not just daily life but the trajectory of careers, income potential, and personal growth. Those who lack it face severely limited options, according to recent literacy reports.

I eventually took small steps—flashcards, a dictionary, a library card—piecing together my education over time. That steady progress helped me find my first consistent job and begin to claim my confidence.

But literacy was only the start. I faced another challenge: scattered, inconsistent pathways to growth. With little guidance, resources remained overwhelming and disconnected.

Later, I entered a company offering professional development benefits—and that changed everything. I embarked on structured learning tailored to my goals. But here’s the truth: many employers don’t offer such training.

According to LinkedIn’s 2025 Workplace Learning Report, only 36% of companies are true ‘career-development champions’—offering robust, ongoing learning and development programs—while the other 64% have either limited or no L&D opportunities available.

Even when training exists, it often doesn’t match learner needs—55% of employees say they need more development opportunities, and 59% claim they had no training at all. And while some larger companies offer tuition assistance, this still excludes those outside the corporate world.

All this reinforces one fact: we can’t rely solely on formal education, employer programs, or advanced paid platforms. The pathways are too narrow, and the support still too scarce.

That’s why I founded CatapultU. I wanted to create a space that met people where they are—whatever their literacy level, job history, or budget. We offer free, usable, foundational courses designed to build confidence, grow skills, and empower adults who’ve been overlooked.

The path to learning shouldn’t depend on what an employer offers—or if you even have one. Access to continued education must be a public good, and that’s what we’re building. 

Ready to help us bridge the gap?

If you’re a nonprofit organization supporting individuals who would benefit from free, skills-based learning, we invite you to explore becoming a CatapultU Resource Partner.

Nonprofits are already doing the work. CatapultU simply adds another resource to your toolkit.

Together, we can connect the adults you already serve to meaningful learning opportunities that support confidence, stability, and growth.

👉 Learn more at www.catapultu.org or email us at support@catapultu.org. Discover how your organization can offer LaunchPad Learning Access Grants to your community.

Let’s make learning accessible—for everyone.

About the Author, Kathy James

Kathy James is a Resilience Strategist, Learning & Development professional, and the Founder of CatapultU—a social enterprise providing free online learning and life skills development to individuals experiencing financial hardship. Drawing from her lived experience and professional expertise, Kathy is passionate about helping others overcome barriers, build resilience, and grow through accessible education and community-powered support.

With a background rooted in both personal transformation and professional leadership, Kathy brings a powerful blend of empathy, strategy, and execution to her work. Through her speaking, writing, and community outreach, Kathy continues to advocate for resilience-building and inclusive learning environments that support lasting mental well-being.

To learn more about Kathy’s work, visit
www.kathyjames.org or email her directly at hello@kathyjames.org.

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