Adult Education Strengthens Workforce Development in Pennsylvania

What Is Adult Education?

Adult Education provides essential education services to individuals to enhance literacy and numeracy skills, English language proficiency, and workforce readiness. It serves as a bridge to high school equivalency, postsecondary education, and employment opportunities. Adult Education is under Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

What Role Does Adult Education Play in Workforce Development?

Adult education IS workforce development. In Pennsylvania, nearly 20% of adults lack the fundamental skills needed for active participation in the workforce and the community. At the same time, for every 100 open jobs in the state, only 77 qualified workers are available to fill them, according to the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

Adult Education programs:

• Support individuals with measurable skill gains and credential attainment, such as a GED credential or computer skills certifications.
• Align programming, including Integrated Education and Training, to meet the needs of employers.
• Improve reading, digital literacy, writing, and math skills for employment, job training, and career advancement.
• Boost English speaking and writing skills, strengthening workplace communication. 
• Partner with local businesses to support the success of incumbent workers.

What Results Do Adult Education Programs Achieve?

Adult literacy and basic education programs equip individuals with the tools and confidence to take control of their futures, providing them with the skills necessary to build successful careers, secure good jobs, and achieve lasting progress in their lives. Specifically, these programs:

• Increase employment rates and median earnings through the attainment of a high school diploma.
• Lift people from poverty. Increasing the literacy skills of an adult at the lowest end of the proficiency scale by one level makes it 50 percent less likely that they will live in poverty.
• Return $6.03 to the economy for every dollar Pennsylvania invests, according to data from the Pennsylvania Association for Adult and Continuing Education.

Throughout Pennsylvania, nearly 15,000 students are enrolled in adult education programs each year. There are thousands more who lack vital skills. Helping people obtain a GED credential, explore career and college options, learn the English language, and acquire digital skills opens the door to opportunity.

How Can Companies Benefit?

Pennsylvania employers can benefit by partnering with adult education programs through participation in job fairs, offering mentoring, serving as a referral source for employees, and engaging in on-site training programs for incumbent workers. For example, companies like PECO Energy, which partner with adult education programs, report stronger recruitment pipelines and increased loyalty among employees. To find an adult education program near you, visit www.paadultedresources.org/home/find-a-program/

How Can I Support Adult Education?

More than half of all jobs (52%) require education or training beyond high school, but not a four-year degree—yet only 43% of workers have had access to the skills training and supportive services (like transportation, childcare, or career navigation) necessary to fill these in-demand roles. You can be part of the solution by:

• Investing in adult education programs as a corporate sponsor ensures strong programs that can meet demand.
• Advocating for increased government funding helps establish a steady pipeline of employees prepared for the workforce. Despite modest recent increases, funding remains half of what it was in 2008, creating uncertainty for the future of these vital programs.
• Partnering with local programs to familiarize students with employer opportunities and requirements.

The National Skills Coalition notes that the jobs mismatch is holding back both workers and businesses. Fixing the mismatch requires greater investment in skills training that aligns with real workforce needs. 

The bottom line: Investing in adult education ensures a stronger workforce, thriving businesses, and a more prosperous Pennsylvania.