Marilyn Pitzulo
Our latest guest BizVoice® column is from Marilyn Pitzulo of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, which highlights the impact adult education efforts have on Indiana’s job seekers and employers. She writes:
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and the Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education recently 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 the numerous programs, adult education students earn credentials, receive postsecondary education, achieve sustainable employment and ultimately reach economic self-sufficiency. In Indiana, 70% of adult learners are employed after earning their high school equivalency (HSE; formerly GED) and experience an average wage increase of $8,400 annually. In 2022, 3,795 Hoosier adult learners earned their HSE.
Indiana remains a leader in providing adult education programming that transforms the lives of Hoosier job seekers and workers. Hoosiers learning new skills and completing their HSE or certification are upskilling to meet the needs of Indiana employers.
