The cost runs into the hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Congress officially recognized illiteracy as a problem when it enacted the 1991 National Literacy Act and established the National Institute for Literacy. The institute works on establishing policy, does research and sponsors promising initiatives. The government is not alone in its fight against illiteracy. There are several organizations in the United States that work with illiterate adults.
Most libraries offer some form of literacy programs and several universities have programs as well.
One of the oldest and largest programs is Literacy Volunteers of America. Founded in 1962, it has been working since then to end illiteracy in America, has helping more than 350,000 people so far. Other organizations are also working hard, and each has its own style and methods. Some focus more on math skills, others on reading or English as a Second Language. Whatever the method, most groups would agree the success depends on the student.