And Introduction and overview of California’s adult education system as a key partner in workforce development and economic recovery.

There is great potential and opportunity for social change and economic recovery in California. Yet,
we know that for many younger and older adults in our communities, the promises of equitable access for all to educational and workforce opportunities have remained unfulfilled. And we know the lingering effects of Covid-19 have only exacerbated inequalities for the working poor and others living in the margins of society. In California, nearly 1 in 4 adults struggle with basic literacy and numeracy skills. This has profound social and economic impacts on the quality of life for these individuals as well as the larger community.

This brief advocates that adult education programs have the capacity to play an enormously critical and transformative role in the socio-economic health and vitality of our communities by providing a
unique point of entry for adults in need of basic skills as well as more advanced academic and
career training. Unfortunately, in many areas of the state, local adult education programs tend to be a “best-kept secret.” Promoting greater awareness of these programs among workforce development entities and other adult services providers will hopefully lead to enhanced levels of regional coordination of efforts to ensure all Californians, especially those most in need of services, will not be left behind in workforce training and economic recovery efforts.

The purpose of this report is to present a concise overview of key features and elements of California adult education programs—with a focus on the Los Angeles Basin—to promote broader awareness of their value as well as posit the importance of strategic partnerships and greater collaboration between adult education programs, county and city workforce development agencies, community-based organizations, and other entities providing services to adults.

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