08-25-2026 Gov. Braun Advances Workforce, Wage Growth at Every Age Through Adult Education

Gov. Braun Advances Workforce, Wage Growth at Every Age Through Adult Education

INDIANAPOLIS - Governor Mike Braun is ensuring Hoosiers gain the skills, credentials and training needed to succeed in today's workforce through the state's adult education programs. At this point in Program Year 2025-26, Indiana adult education programs have served 21,088 learners across the state, helping Hoosiers prepare for employment, career advancement and greater economic opportunity.

According to a review by the Indiana Legislative Services Agency, adult education participants experience an average wage gain of approximately $5,000 within one year of exiting a program, including an estimated $8,900 wage gain for adults who earn a high school equivalency credential. The review also found increased employment stability and higher employment rates one year after program exit.

"Adult education gives Hoosiers the tools to build skills and pursue new opportunities throughout their careers," said Gov. Braun. "Fostering a robust workforce pipeline means meeting Hoosiers wherever they are. With these programs, workers gain the knowledge and training they need to move forward, whether they are early in their careers or returning to the classroom decades later."

Adult education serves Hoosiers at every stage of life, including workers who return to the classroom years after leaving school. In the past year alone, more than 2,500 Hoosiers between the ages of 45 and 54 enrolled in Indiana adult education programs. Three-quarters of those participants achieved a measurable skill gain, including earning a high school equivalency credential, obtaining a career certification or advancing academically.

Among those learners is Phil Bird, a Morgan County resident who earned his high school equivalency credential after returning to the classroom at age 53 while working full-time and supporting his family.

Bird left school as a teenager and spent decades building a career before enrolling in Adult Education of Wayne Township when an opportunity for advancement required proof of a high school credential. After receiving support from instructors and staff, Bird earned his credential and later advanced into a management role with Walgreens.

Today, Bird serves as a student ambassador, sharing his experience with prospective learners and encouraging other adults to pursue their educational goals. His story demonstrates how adult education can help experienced workers gain new qualifications, advance their careers and achieve goals that may have been put on hold earlier in life.

Indiana adult education programs provide instruction in high school equivalency preparation, English language learning, workforce readiness, digital literacy and other foundational areas that help Hoosiers prepare for employment, career advancement and continued training opportunities.

Hoosiers interested in learning more about adult education opportunities can find more information here.

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