Supporting Adult Education for a Stronger Economy
At an average cost of $1,500 per learner per year, meeting the demands of the adults currently on the waiting lists would cost about 2 million dollars per year.
State funding reductions to RI's Adult Education system reduced by 1,000 the number of students served per year from its peak enrollment in fiscal year 2006-2007. As of the 2014 Legislative session, Adult Education has been cut an additional $300,000. Furthermore, the 2014-15 budget includes no money to support a new mandate to waive fees associated with the GED test for individuals who prove financial hardship.
Over 1,300 adults are currently on waiting lists. Thousands more who lack high school diplomas could benefit from these programs.
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Data source (for funding figures): RI Department of Education, Office of Multiple Pathways.
