Some people still think that adult education is just for middle-aged adults who wish to develop a new hobby. In Maine it has evolved into so much more.

For many students enrolled in adult education it is a lifeline to their futures. When factories have announced layoffs, adult education has been there to help workers retrain for new careers. And it has enabled young adults to find new opportunities for their futures.

"Adult education promotes economic growth in the state, providing more qualified, trained workers for new and expanding technologies and industries," said Gov. John Baldacci. "Adult education is a critical link to expanding job prospects and enhancing opportunities for those participating in the programs."

In April the governor welcomed members of the Maine Adult Education Association and adult education students at a Hall of Flags event highlighting the importance of adult education in Maine.

"I'd still be working at Burger King for minimum wage, going nowhere, if it wasn't for Lewiston's adult education program," said Dustin Chaput, who came to the State House to let legislators know how important the program has been to him and others. "I chose adult education to achieve my goals and go to college."

Chaput learned about Lewiston's adult education program through a concerned high school teacher who saw the young man had a lot of potential but the high school curriculum didn't inspire him.

Like Chaput, William Dayton needed to get credits to graduate high school and adult education was there to help.

"I had to work full time, so I didn't go to a lot of my classes in high school. With adult education I can go to classes at night and work in the day," said Dayton. "It's given me a chance to graduate and look ahead to college."

Both Chaput and Dayton are interested in attending college to study sports management and business management. They both are also enrolled in the Transition to College program offered by Lewiston Adult Education that will show them different college career paths so they will know more of what to expect and plan for in college.

"Lewiston Adult Education has been awesome," said Chaput.

John White had a different story to tell. Two years ago White moved to Florida leaving Maine and his friends. Last fall he moved back to the state but found that his six-and-a-half credits earned in Florida's schools weren't accepted in Maine.

"I had to find a way to make up those credits, or I wouldn't graduate until 2010," said White. "Because of adult education, I'm graduating in June. It opened up a door for me, and I walked right through. It was perfect."

White is now on schedule to start college this fall.

During a time when the state is transitioning further into the 21st-century global economy, adult education is playing an increasingly important role.

"There is nothing more important for anyone to succeed in the 21st century than a college education. Adult education often leads to students wanting to further their skills with a college degree," said Baldacci.

From Community Colleges and programs in high school that offer college courses to adult education courses, the state now has a portfolio of pathways that encourage pursuing higher education.

"In our state, there are learning opportunities for each and everyone of us," said Susan Gendron, commissioner for the Department of Education. "Educators across the state, working together and with educational agencies are helping students, of any age, achieve their goals."

The staff at Lewiston's High School directed Chaput, Dayton and White to Lewiston's adult education programs. The staff at career centers, across the state direct displaced workers to adult education opportunities to further their goals.

The governor praised the Maine Adult Education Association for working effectively with the community college and university systems as well as worker programs such as the Maine Career Centers and other agencies. The links between the systems assist adults in attaining economic security and greater opportunities and help promote lifelong learning.