2025 Adult Education Day Honors Adult Learners and Indiana Employers, Showcasing Statewide Success Stories

With more than 250 in-person and online class locations across the state, Indiana Adult Education (AE) continues to lead the country in student outcomes and workforce-based learning participation. Statewide programming is transforming lives and creating a sizeable economic impact.

On February 11, 2025, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education (IAACE), and other partners gathered at the Indiana Statehouse for the 4^th annual Adult Education Day – an event dedicated to honoring Hoosier adult learners and Indiana employers who support their educational journeys.

“Adult Education Day is a testament to the strength and determination of adult learners in Indiana. It underscores the vital partnership between educators, businesses, and adult learners,” said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. “Indiana Adult Education supports working adults by providing better economic opportunities. The connection is obvious. Indiana Adult Education is workforce development.”

Empowering Hoosiers Through Education

Adult learners enroll in AE programs for many reasons, but the most common motivations include earning a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, completing career-related training, or improving English proficiency to enhance employment opportunities. To meet these needs, partnerships with Indiana businesses are vital. Currently more than 100 business partners statewide collaborate with AE programs, ensuring accessible education and skill development in every region.

A selection of these businesses from across the state were honored during DWD’s Adult Education Day ceremony for being a shining example of success.

“Our associates can go back to school and earn their certification to become medical assistants. It’s huge for them and we’re excited to offer them other avenues to pursue in their careers,” said Jan Hoffman, Supervisor, Physician Operations with Ascension St. Vincent in Evansville.

In the most recent program year, Indiana AE students earned 2,809 career certifications, with 822 in skilled trades and construction and 719 in medical and healthcare fields. Beyond certifications, improving English proficiency plays a significant role in workforce upskilling.

“Our programs help employees not only understand workplace safety and regulations but also enhance their lives outside of work,” said Plastic Recycling, Inc. Plant Manager Katie Kingery, while attending the Feb. 11 recognition ceremony. “That’s why we took our education to the next level by offering English classes to strengthen communication and build a more connected team.”

The Economic Impact of Adult Education in Indiana

Over the past year, 25,000 Indiana adult learners enrolled in AE programs, and 4,200 earned their HSE diploma. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, individuals who obtain their HSE can experience an average annual income increase of $8,900. The benefits extend beyond personal achievements, significantly impacting Indiana’s economy. An estimated 68% of AE students secure employment within a year of completing their programs, and participants see an average wage increase of $5,000 within that time. Indiana’s total economic impact from AE services is valued at approximately $74.7 million annually, against a $17 million investment.

Indiana continues to rank among the top states for adult education, placing second in the nation for student participation and career credentialing and third for the total number of HSE diplomas earned.

Celebrating Workforce-Focused Education

Businesses like Wagler Competition Products, another Adult Education Day honoree, ensure workers have access to diverse learning opportunities. Through its Wagler Education and Training Center, a State of Indiana approved AE site, employees can earn their HSE diploma and complete specialized training and certification programs.

“We provide an enriched learning environment that has helped countless students learn, develop, and grow so they can approach the future with confidence,” said owner Jeremy Wagler.

In addition to recognizing outstanding employer partnerships, the event also celebrated winners of the Adult Learner Essay Contest, showcasing inspiring personal stories of perseverance and success.

Overall, Indiana’s approach to adult education is proving effective, and the impact extends far beyond the Statehouse celebration. By investing in workforce-driven learning, the state is empowering Hoosiers, strengthening businesses, and fueling economic growth across Indiana.

Learn more about DWD’s Adult Education program by visiting https://www.in.gov/dwd/career-training-adult-ed/adult-ed/.

Winter 2023

Adult Education Day at the Statehouse

Testimonials

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Press Release

Adult learners, Indiana employers honored at 2023
Adult Education Day at the Statehouse

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 16, 2023) - Recently, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and the Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education honored Hoosier adult learners and Indiana employers at the 2023 Adult Education Day ceremony, held at the Indiana Statehouse.

"DWD is assisting individuals by continuously providing opportunities to increase their knowledge, skills and abilities through various programs and services our agency administers and our partners offer throughout Indiana," said DWD Commissioner David J. Adams.

Through numerous programs, adult education students earn credentials, receive post-secondary education, achieve sustainable employment and ultimately reach economic self-sufficiency. In Indiana, 70% of adult learners are employed after earning their HSE and experience an average wage increase of $8,400 annually. In 2022, 3,795 Hoosier adult learners earned their high school equivalency.

"Indiana remains a leader in providing adult education programming that transforms the lives of Hoosier job seekers and workers," said DWD Associate Chief Workforce Strategy and Design Marilyn Pitzulo. "Hoosiers learning new skills and completing their high school equivalency or certification are upskilling to meet the needs of Indiana employers. Congratulations to each business for making an investment in its employees and for the learners who are earning higher wages and increasing their career opportunities."

There are more than 250 adult education class locations – in-person or online - in the state that give students opportunities to increase skills, learn English, access training, obtain industry-recognized credentials and earn a higher-paying job.

"I was making around $11 an hour in a job I had for several years but I felt I was never going anywhere in my career," said Brandy Gilstrap, a Greene County resident. "I enrolled in a 10-week certification program with an adult education provider and graduated last April. I finally feel freedom."

Gilstrap now works as emergency medical technician in Sullivan County.

During the ceremony, 16 business partners were recognized for offering adult education classes to their staff. Employers were honored for one or more of the following:

• Providing employees’ wages for attending adult education classes;
• Supplying classroom space and computers or other technology to support students;
• Providing other classroom materials and supplies;
• Funding the cost to pay teachers and instructors; and
• Offering permanent employment to workers who successfully completed classes.

"The partnership between the Indianapolis dormakaba manufacturing plant and Warren Township Adult Education has proven to be a great success," said Ty Howard, a senior human resources manager at dormakaba's Indianapolis plant. "This program has had a positive impact on communication and engagement within the workplace, leading to a sense of belonging among employees. It also increases worker competency, leading to potential growth opportunities within and outside the company."

Adult Education programming is administered by DWD and has a presence in all of Indiana’s 92 counties. Indiana is among the nation’s top states in multiple adult ed categories:

• No. 1 for student achievement and growth;
• No. 2 for the number of high school equivalency diplomas awarded; and
• No. 4 for certificates earned through Integrated Education and Training.

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Image Gallery

The photos in the gallery are of employers and adult learners recognized during the 2023 Indiana Adult Education Day at the Statehouse on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.

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