Enrollment in adult education strengthens economy, and community

Maine adult education is a powerful force for the future of the Maine economy. The 114 local programs, based in Maine high schools, registered 120,438 enrollments in 2006. That represents an increase of 5,000 more than the previous year, indicating a strong interest in lifelong learning on the part of Maine people.

The Brookings Institution’s report, “Charting Maine’s Future,” states “Our workforce isn’t yet ready for tomorrow’s jobs. Compounding the challenge are thousands of older, less-educated workers laid off by downsizing companies. All of that points to an enormous challenge of retraining and reeducating ourselves for the new economy.”

Maine’s adult education programs in Central and Western Maine have had the experience of quickly responding when local plants closed, assisting workers to learn the necessary skills to re-enter the job market or proceed to post-secondary education. Vocational courses offered by adult education programs, including computer technology, hard trades, allied health and retails sales, recorded 22,174 enrollments in 2006, strengthening people and communities.

The Lewiston Adult Education program has recently developed a WorkReady program focused on employability skills, working with area businesses and the Maine Departments of Education and Labor.

In the last five years, a new area for Maine adult education has been college transition programming. Enrollment at the community colleges is increasing, yet many adults are not ready to enter college and succeed, as they may lack prerequisites or need refresher courses, as well as counseling on career paths and college success.

Only 37 percent of Maine residents 25 and older hold a higher education degree, compared with 46 percent in the New England region. The Maine Compact for Higher Education has set a goal for Maine to have 40,000 more college graduates in the next decade. Much of this increase must come from the 85 percent of the workforce already on the job today.

Maine currently has 14 formal college transition programs, including programs in Lewiston, Bridgton and South Paris. Maine adults know that higher education is essential for secure employment and higher wages, and the sites have a remarkable completion rate for their program and for entry into college.

The more familiar components of adult education programs are thriving.

In 2006, 3,108 high school credentials including GEDs and high school diplomas were awarded to adults in Maine with more than 15,000 enrollments in high school completion courses. Many of the individuals enrolled in these courses left high school programs for family or economic reasons, and the vast majority sought to complete their high school credential to obtain employment or to enter college.

Many of our citizens do not possess the necessary skills to function in our literate community. These skills include basic reading comprehension and math skills. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses are in great demand in Portland, Lewiston and surrounding communities in southern Maine.

Maine’s Adult Education programs have developed experienced staffs and effective teaching methods for this population, serving more than 2,000 individuals in ESOL in 2006, as well as recording 12,624 enrollments in basic literacy classes. Our programs often work closely with Literacy Volunteers affiliates.

The arrival of the local adult education brochures in cities and towns is eagerly anticipated each semester. The magic of “Learning Where You Live” in company with neighbors develops vital community connections. The ability of programs to offer online courses, to address pressing issues of health or finance, or to serve as a catalyst for community initiatives with local organizations is what makes Maine adult education an ever-changing enterprise.

The community education courses are self-supporting. The students pay registration and materials fees to cover the cost of the course. Successful community education courses often help programs fund other program costs.

Adult education is an investment worth making for the future of Maine at the local and state levels. Maine people and communities need the opportunity to learn and prosper.

Cathy Newell of Greenwood is the executive director of the Maine Adult Education Association. E-mail her at [email protected], or visit www.maineadulted.org.