What is adult education?

Adult education and lifelong learning in the United States: Purpose, challenges, and promise

What is adult education?

Adult education is any formal or informal learning undertaken by adults beyond the traditional school age. It includes a broad range of instructional services, from basic literacy and high school equivalency programs to workforce training, college preparation, language learning, and personal enrichment courses. At its core, adult education aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their personal lives, in the workplace, and as citizens in a democratic society.

Lifelong learning, a related but broader concept, refers to the continuous pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional reasons throughout one’s life. While adult education typically involves structured programs or classes, lifelong learning includes informal avenues such as online tutorials, workplace mentoring, community lectures, and/or networking opportunities.

Why adult education matters

In a rapidly evolving economy and increasingly digital society, the ability to adapt, upskill, and remain engaged intellectually is not just beneficial - it’s essential. Millions of adults in the United States lack basic literacy or numeracy skills, a high school diploma, or digital literacy. Others seek new careers in response to layoffs, automation, or personal growth. Adult education provides the foundation to meet these needs, making it a pillar of workforce development, civic participation, and social mobility.

Key challenges and considerations regarding adult education

Despite its importance, adult education in the U.S. faces persistent challenges:

• Access and equity: Many adults who would benefit most from education programs - such as low-income workers, immigrants, people with disabilities, and those in rural areas - face barriers to access. These may include limited transportation, lack of childcare, inflexible work schedules, or insufficient Internet access.
• Funding and policy support: Adult education is chronically underfunded at both federal and state levels. Programs often rely on patchwork funding from public sources, nonprofits, and grants. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) governs much of the federal support, but its resources fall short of meeting demand.
• Retention and persistence: Adult learners juggle multiple responsibilities - jobs, families, health - which can make consistent attendance and long-term commitment difficult. Programs must be flexible, supportive, and responsive to keep learners engaged.
• Recognition and credentialing: Many adult learners seek education that leads to tangible outcomes, such as a certification, diploma, or job. Programs must align closely with industry needs and provide stackable credentials that lead to meaningful employment.
• Digital literacy and access: As education shifts online, digital access and skills have become critical. Yet millions of adults lack broadband access or struggle with basic computer use, creating a new layer of exclusion.
• Stigma and motivation: There can be a stigma around returning to school as an adult, especially for those with negative past educational experiences. Overcoming these perceptions and encouraging lifelong learning requires a culture shift and personalized outreach.

Types of adult education programs

The field of adult education is diverse, spanning both public and private sectors. Examples include:

• Adult Basic Education (ABE): Designed for adults who need to improve reading, writing, and math skills to function effectively in society and the workplace.
• High School Equivalency (HSE) programs: Help adults earn a GED or other equivalency credential, a key gateway to better jobs and further education.
• English as a Second Language (ESL): Critical for immigrants and refugees, ESL programs help learners acquire the language skills needed for employment, community participation, and civic engagement.
• Workforce development and vocational training: Offered by community colleges, technical schools, and workforce boards, these programs train adults for in-demand careers in fields like healthcare, IT, construction, and manufacturing.
• Community education and personal enrichment: Offered through local school districts, libraries, nonprofits, and universities, these classes cover a wide range of topics, from art and fitness to financial literacy and parenting skills.
• Corrections education: Provides inmates with literacy, vocational training, and high school equivalency preparation, aiming to reduce recidivism and support reintegration.
• Online and distance learning: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and community college online programs have opened up new pathways for adult learners to pursue formal education and skill development remotely and flexibly.

Looking ahead

The demand for adult education will only grow in the coming decades. Technological disruption, demographic shifts, and longer working lives mean Americans will need to keep learning well beyond their twenties. But to realize the full potential of adult education, we must address structural inequities, expand access to affordable learning, and invest in systems that recognize diverse learning paths and outcomes.

Policymakers, educators, employers, entrepreneurs, and communities must collaborate to create a lifelong learning ecosystem that is inclusive, adaptive, and forward-looking. Adult education is not a remedial service for those who missed out - it's a strategic investment in the country's economic strength, civic health, and human potential.