Effective literacy technology exists, but millions of adults still lack access. Many learners are unaware of available tools or face barriers to adoption, leaving life-changing innovations unused in the communities that need them most.

Innovative solutions would create networks to deliver proven literacy apps directly to adult learners. Winning strategies would reach people through trusted community hubs, ensuring tools were not only available but actively used to improve lives.

The $1M Barbara Bush Foundation Adult Literacy XPRIZE Communities competition was an extension of the Adult Literacy XPRIZE, shifting focus from creating literacy technology to distributing it effectively. Teams were given access to the four finalist apps from the original competition—proven, mobile-based tools for teaching reading—and were tasked with getting them into the hands of as many adult learners as possible.

Approaches ranged from partnerships with libraries and schools to workplace learning programs, tutoring networks, and grassroots campaigns. The top prize went to World Education, which leveraged a nationwide coalition to integrate all four apps across literacy programs, career centers, and community organizations, while collaborating with smaller-tier winners to amplify reach.

This competition proved that distribution can be as innovative as technology itself, demonstrating that community-driven engagement is key to closing the literacy gap.

Launched in 2018 as an extension of the Adult Literacy XPRIZE, the competition concluded in 2019. World Education won the top tier by reaching the largest number of learners through a nationwide network of community partners.