Advocates Push for $7M Boost in Adult Education Funding in PA

During a recent House Education Committee hearing, advocates for adult education in Pennsylvania emphasized the need for increased funding to address growing waitlists for programs. Representative Peter Schweyer highlighted that adult education often falls through the cracks, urging for a more elevated conversation around its importance. Rochelle Cooks, from Beyond Literacy, stressed the connection between education and workforce development, noting that many adult learners lack the necessary credentials to secure stable employment. Advocates are pushing for a $7 million increase in funding, aiming to raise total spending to $30 million by the fiscal year 2026-27. Michael Lamb from Literacy Pittsburgh pointed out that current programs are unable to meet the demand, with hundreds of individuals on waiting lists across various cities. In Allentown, for instance, over 1,700 people are waiting for services, while Reading has more than 2,000. The majority of students in Pittsburgh's adult education programs are immigrants, many of whom have prior college education and work experience from their home countries. Cooks noted that with additional English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, these individuals could re-enter their professional fields, significantly benefiting Pennsylvania's economy. However, funding is not the only challenge; access to classes is also a critical issue. Barriers such as transportation and childcare need to be addressed to ensure that adult learners can participate in educational programs effectively.