The Adult Education Division (Adult Education) of the Labor Services Division experienced a 20% increase in enrollment during the 2022-2023 academic year, a trend of increasing enrollment even before COVID-19.
More than 16,000 Arkansans have passed through our adult education center's doors, and nearly 10,000 Arkansans have used adult education services to earn their Arkansas high school diploma through the GED test, improve their English proficiency, and earn certifications. or attended skill-specific training. industry.
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“This 20% increase is a testament to the commitment of adult education providers and their ability to recruit and retain students,” said Dr. Trenia Miles, director of the adult education section of the Department of Labor Services. “Approximately 300,000 Arkansans do not have a high school diploma, so there is great demand for our services across the state. Adult education enrolls in adult education to learn. However, adult education integrates workforce readiness skills such as employability skills, digital literacy, and financial literacy into the curriculum to help individuals become employable, earn higher wages, and earn more. We are equally focused on helping people get good jobs.”
The Adult Education Department ranks fourth in the nation for GED exam pass rate, with 86% of students passing in 2022-2023. Dr. Miles said that while the GED program continues to drive individuals to adult education centers, their inquiries provide staff with the opportunity to refer them to other free programs and services, including:
Integrated education and training that allows students to earn industry certifications and certifications while improving their basic academic skills. These include certifications in healthcare, manufacturing, business administration, logistics, information technology, and more.
Computer Literacy Workforce Alliance for Economic Growth (WAGE) is a job readiness program for unemployed and underemployed adults.
To continue this growth and meet the educational needs of Arkansans, Adult Education is collaborating with other partner programs, more Arkansas employers, and increasing apprenticeship opportunities at centers across the state. said Miles. She and her department are also working to increase the number of dual enrollment participants.
“Research shows that individuals increase their chances of success when they enroll in multiple programs.Adults can earn more jobs at higher wages by adding credentials at the same time they earn their high school diploma. You get the opportunity,” Miles said.
Additionally, Adult Education conducts its own research to better understand student needs and interests in order to further partner with Arkansas employers.
“We analyze labor market information, collaborate with other core partners such as labor services and local workforce development boards, and ask companies the right questions to ensure our programs are successful for students. We are evaluating the workforce needs of the state of Arkansas by ensuring that we are providing the workforce,” Bridget Kreiner said. , Associate Director of the Adult Education Section of Workforce Services.
Students can find a center by visiting Adult Education online or by calling 1-877-963-4GED (4433).
Arkansas Adult Education, part of the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, prepares a work-ready, career-bound workforce to meet the needs of Arkansas employers. Adult Education oversees 37 adult education programs and her two literacy councils, serving all 75 of her counties in the state.
