Oakton Adult Education Programs Provide Economic Opportunity
(Sept. 26, 2016) Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner proclaimed Sept. 26 – Oct. 1 Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, underscoring the continued demand for programs and services for adult students who need to improve basic skills in reading, writing and math to obtain a high school equivalency certificate. About 1.2 million adults in Illinois and more than 36 million nationwide lack basic literacy skills, limiting their ability to advance in education and at work.
Oakton Community College is one of more than 84 adult education providers offering programs funded through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) that improves and expands the nation’s available pipeline of workers by assisting those who lack the educational requirements to achieve gainful employment in today’s increasingly high-tech, global job market.
Oakton collaborates with Maine, Niles, Northfield (the Glenbrooks) and Evanston Township high schools to form the Alliance for Lifelong Learning, and classes are taught at high school locations throughout the district. Adult education classes are offered at 28 sites, including libraries, community centers and churches, providing a path from low-income jobs and limited opportunities to the middle class wages and family sustainability. Full-time workers with a high school diploma earn almost $10,000 more per year than those without a diploma.
“Many of our adult and continuing education courses serve as a bridge to credit courses and allow adult learners to earn while they learn,” said Oakton Associate Vice President of Continuing Education, Training and Workforce Development Colette Hands. “These opportunities, including ESL and GED programs, get students started toward a better life, and Oakton provides resources for them to continue and succeed.”
In August, Washington Monthly ranked Oakton Community College No. 15 in the nation for adult learners. According to the publication, more than 40 percent of the 20.2 million students attending American colleges and universities are adults, aged 25 or older. The average age of Oakton students is 26, and 37 percent of Oakton students are at least 25 years of age.
“Nearly 90 percent of the fastest growing jobs of the future require education or training beyond high school,” said ICCB Executive Director Karen Hunter Anderson. “Illinois has taken the lead in creating partnerships between adult education providers and employers to ensure a seamless pathway for students to higher education and employment in high growth occupations.”
For more information about adult education programs and services at Oakton visit www.oakton.edu/conted. For information on adult education throughout Illinois visit www.iccb.org/adult_ed.
