The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) works in more than 50 developing countries to ensure that children have access to a quality education and the skills needed to be productive members of society. USAID invests in global education because they know that the positive effects of education are far-reaching - that it serves as a driver for all other development and for the reduction of extreme poverty. USAID's education work focuses on improving the reading skills of children; strengthening youth workforce development and higher education; and expanding access to quality education in crisis and conflict environments. USAID partners to leverage resources and expertise, strengthen education systems and drive change so that children and youth can learn. The United States has historically championed efforts to improve literacy around the world. While access to education has improved, the world is still experiencing a learning crisis -- 250 million children worldwide are unable to read, write or do math. The ability to read improves health and wellbeing of individuals and families, opens up employment opportunities, and mitigates the chances that youth will pursue criminal or violent activities. USAID works with governments, teachers, students, schools and communities to: (1) Improve teaching techniques and learning materials; (2) Support regular testing to measure reading skills; (3) Help teachers in the classroom with teaching basic skills, and student-centered learning; and (4) Promote parental and community involvement in schools and learning.