UNMET NEEDS

One in five Marylanders needs adult education services.

Adult education includes basic literacy, GED services, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

20% of Marylanders function at the lowest literacy level, reading at less than a fourth grade
level.

Maryland contributes less for adult education than nearly every other state.

In FY07, Maryland spent just $6.4 million on adult education. With over 800,000 adults in need of services, this amount equates to a state investment of $8 per student.

Only 4% of the target population in Maryland receives adult education and literacy services each year, while 4,000 to 5,000 adults sit on long waiting lists.

Maryland ranks at the bottom with Mississippi and Alabama in terms of state funding per student.

THE SOLUTION

The General Assembly should deepen Maryland’s investment in adult education.

The Superintendent’s Panel on Excellence in Adult Education recently released a report recommending that the State significantly increase its investment in adult education.

The most recent fiscal note indicates an investment of $19 million over the next five years.

Establishing a funding method will ensure that Maryland’s investment in adult education is sustainable.

THE BENEFITS

Adult education pays.

Adults with high school diplomas earn $7,216 more per year than those who have dropped out of high school, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Maryland’s adult education students increase their earnings – as much as 18 – 25% for minimum wage workers – within 18 months.

Adults who increase their education levels are better able to compete for higher-skilled jobs that pay family-supporting wages.

Investing in the workforce will keep Maryland businesses competitive.

In a survey of businesses by the University of Baltimore, nearly two-thirds of respondents cited difficulty in finding qualified workers.

Businesses benefit from increased productivity, comprehension skills, and job satisfaction among workers who complete adult education programs.

For further information, contact:

Melissa Broome

Job Opportunities Task Force

(410) 234-8046

melissa@jotf.org