The adult basic education (ABE) programs currently conducted by non-governmental organizations in the United States, are reviewed in this document. Attention is focused on the significance of voluntary efforts in adult basic education programs; and strengths and weaknesses, gaps between needs and resources, and limiting factors are identified. Programs in all but ten states are examined from all or some of the following viewpoints: year established, form of management, geographical areas served, affiliation, program staff, desirable preparation for teaching ABE, volunteers as teachers, location of buildings, facilities and equipment, limiting factors in ABE, government funds, staff participation, and student characteristics. This is the first attempt to make a systematic assessment of ABE in the United States. (nl)