A discussion of the literacy education needs of the Hispanic community in the United States provides a profile of the Hispanic population and offers a plan of action for educational programming. At 7 million, the illiterate Hispanic population comprises one-third of functionally illiterate Americans. This subgroup is diverse, with as much as half of the Hispanic workforce being workplace illiterate. Immigrant influx and dropout rates increase this number steadily. This level of illiteracy is costly in both social and economic terms, and an effective literacy program could save nearly $4 billion annually. The current literacy education system is disorganized, and Hispanics may be underrepresented. An additional 10% of functionally illiterate Hispanics, unemployed and discouraged, should be targeted for literacy programs in the next 5 years. Effective literacy courses must be structured to assign lessons matching student competency and experience. Training must be a public-private, employer-employee partnership, preferably delivered at the workplace. The proposed Hispanic Literacy Program initiative focuses on literacy for work, emphasizes the use of instructional technology, and provides for phased implementation. The program includes a high-visibility campaign, national training conference, revolving loan fund, analysis and dissemination of literacy training information, and a legislative initiative involving community-based organizations and national groups. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)