Adult Educational Development: Building Access, Skills, and Stability

Harper College’s Adult Educational Development (AED) program plays a quiet but essential role in the educational and economic life of the region. Through free adult education classes, AED supports individuals working to strengthen English proficiency, earn a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, and navigate pathways into college and the workforce.

AED serves adult learners through two primary programs: English Literacy Acquisition (ELA) and High School Equivalency (HSE). ELA classes support non-native English speakers as they build skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and digital literacy, while also developing problem-solving and workplace readiness. HSE classes prepare students to earn a high school equivalency diploma by building core competencies across math, science, social studies, and language arts.

Demand for these programs remains strong. Last year, 1,974 students enrolled in ELA and 223 students enrolled in HSE, with both programs offered at no cost. AED operates under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) framework, reflecting its alignment with workforce development and economic participation goals.

Many AED students are balancing work, family responsibilities, and financial constraints. AED also serves as a key entry point for newcomers, including immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, who are building new lives in the region. Some arrive with prior education or professional experience but need English proficiency or U.S. credentials to reenter their fields. Others face structural barriers, including ineligibility for federal financial aid, which can limit access to traditional college pathways.

For students like Morela, AED provides both academic instruction and stability. She began her studies in ELA in Spring 2023 and progressed through every level, completing the program in Spring 2025. While working full-time and caring for her family, she enrolled in bridge courses and transitioned into credit coursework with the support of an RFE grant. She is now pursuing a Logistics Certificate and is on track to complete it by Summer 2026. Reflecting on her experience, she shared:

“Harper College holds a very special place in my heart. I feel incredibly comfortable and like I am part of a family here… Teaching and support have been an immense strength for me, preventing me from giving up even amidst difficulties.”

Programs like Adult Educational Development reflect Harper College’s broader commitment to meeting learners where they are and equipping them for what comes next. By providing accessible pathways to language proficiency, credentials, and continued education, AED helps students build the skills and confidence needed to navigate a changing world. As graduates carry those experiences forward the program’s impact extends well beyond the classroom, reinforcing Harper’s role as a vital community partner and a launch point for lifelong learning.