The New Adult Education

In years past, when people heard the words "Adult Education", a certain stereotypical image came to mind. One pictured a high school dropout who finally had come back to school in order to obtain a GED. These students accomplished this by going to night school at a small technical institution in a program that may have ranged from a few weeks to a few months. At the end of the program, the students took the GED exam and, upon completion, received a diploma.

While there is no doubt that these students still exist today, "Adult Education" has evolved into something much broader that includes the following:

• Adult basic education programs- these include General Education Development (GED) programs along with adult high school programs.
• ESL (English as Second Language) programs- these include classes for adults who's main language is not English and need to learn the language in order to pursue the job or career of their choice
• Vocational and technical diploma/certification programs- these programs prepare students to work in a specific trade, craft, or technology.
• Apprenticeship programs- formal, on the job training leading to journeyman status in a skilled craft or trade
• Work related learning- classes designed to increase the efficiency of employees 
• College and university degree programs- classes are designed to count towards a degree ranging from an associates to terminal degrees.

Along with being able to serve the learning needs of almost any adult, Adult Education programs have become extremely streamlined in helping students reach career goals. Providers now create highly specialized programs that focus on desired segments of a local population. This increased specialization in turn creates opportunities for people that may not have been available without the program along with increasing the level of education of the population as a whole. One such institution that has streamlined its programs is Central Georgia Technical College. Boasting 190 certificate, diploma, and degree programs, campuses and centers in 7 counties in Georgia, and online and distance learning programs, CGTC can offer courses in just about any industry imaginable. 

However, one program that CGTC offers mirrors a trend in a number of other cities. At no cost, the PowerUp program helps students earn their GED in 6 months along with assisting them with jumpstarting a career. CGTC understands that there are many environmental issues that may block students from participating and the PowerUp program offers eligible students childcare, meals, transportation, and more. Many Adult Education programs are doing the same by recognizing that people aren't completing their educations due to lack of competence. More often than not, those who participate in the programs drop out because of happenings outside of school. Schools realize that if they can help students remove or simply get around those barriers, then they may have a chance of changing a few lives.

And that, in itself, is good.