In this month’s post, we are highlighting two programs at Indiana’s WorkOne centers: Indiana Adult Education and English Language Learners (ELL). Both programs are designed to improve basic educational skills and soft skills to make participants more employable in today’s market. In 2020, the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, estimated that 65 percent of all jobs would require some form of education after high school.
Not only does the individual who increases their skill level benefit by earning higher wages and enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle, but we as taxpayers are recipients as well. Researchers indicate that the average high school non-graduate costs taxpayers more than $292,000 over a lifetime. According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the public’s cost per participant in their educational services is only $1,050.
Indiana Adult Education helps learners earn a High School Equivalency diploma
Indiana Adult Education is a program that is state-funded for eligible individuals. The program is available to Indiana residents ages 18-64 years old who do not have a high school diploma. Participation is open at either a location near them or through the online version, Indiana Online Only. This free adult education is offered in 156 different Adult Education Locations across Indiana to help serve those who prefer to do classroom instruction rather than learning online.
The Office of Workforce Development reports through the American Community Survey that almost a half-million Hoosier adults aged 18-64 are without a high school diploma, while over 111,000 Indiana young adults are not attending high school. The adult education program teaches math, reading, and writing skills to broaden employment opportunities by encouraging individuals to obtain a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma or a certificate in an occupational certification program. An HSE (formerly known as the GED) also allows them to apply for college classes.
In Indiana Online Only, an individual can take an English language acquisition course from the comfort of their own home. WorkOne partners with local providers to offer adult education instruction in libraries, schools, and community centers around the state. You will find the Adult Education Locations listed by county on the DWD website.
Currently, 21,460 Indiana residents are enrolled in Indiana Adult Education and are becoming high school equivalent graduates and gaining measurable skills and industry credentials. According to the DWD website Indiana Adult Education, attendees represent very diverse populations, including those who have experienced homelessness.
The program is proving effective, with a reported 80 percent of graduated individuals finding work in a high-demand field from integrated education and training programs, which includes healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and construction. Following graduation, two-thirds of participants enrolled in postsecondary education, while the majority of graduates got a raise or better job. The average hourly wage increase was $2.29 (from $12.62 to $14.91) post-graduation.
English Language Learners provides course options
Also, under the adult basic education umbrella are English Language Learners classes for non-English speakers and those with limited English proficiency. The students are offered the opportunity to improve their reading, writing, math, and English skills. The courses can be taken in-person, or as mentioned above, some may also be taken via the Indiana Online Only system. Another component of this study is providing information to create an understanding of the American system of government, individual freedom, and the responsibilities of citizenship. The program assists participants to learn more of American history and incorporate their new skills into a working field of their choice. Indiana reports that many highly skilled immigrants living in our state are benefiting from this effort to reduce the language barrier.
Consider visiting your local WorkOne to explore the possibilities
Accessing these educational programs for your clients not only can improve their opportunity to engage in meaningful employment to support themselves and their families, but it also benefits our state with more spending and investments, more tax revenue, more home and auto sales, more postsecondary degrees, less crime, and decreased health care costs.
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development offers additional programs to help with career exploration and assessments through Indiana Career Connect, a tool available to any WorkOne customer. Trained employees assist with developing a resume, searching for a job, and prepping for an interview. DWD provides direct referrals to jobs and can also help with referrals to other federal, state, and local agencies that share information on rights and employment benefits.
We will continue our look at the programs offered at WorkOne centers next month, but we encourage you to consider visiting your local WorkOne soon to explore what is available for your use as you support individuals seeking employment.
If you have questions on Adult Education programs, you can email AdultEd@dwd.IN.gov or call 1-866-220-6675 for all inquiries, including questions regarding the Indiana High School Equivalency (HSE, formerly known as the GED).
Resources
Indiana Adult Education infographic
Indiana WorkOne Regional Map of Offices by County