Press Release  Massachusetts Celebrates Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

EVERETT — The Healey-Driscoll Administration has declared September 16-20 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in Massachusetts. Throughout the week, Public Adult Education of Massachusetts, in partnership with the Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education (MCAE) and the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), is raising awareness of adult education and family literacy students and programs across the state. 

The administration is also announcing today $362,377 in MassSTEP grants awarded to four agencies that provide a combination of workforce training and English instruction to adult learners. The grants are designed to accelerate adults’ progress toward English proficiency and industry-recognized credentials in areas including advanced manufacturing, commercial driving, and welding.

“Adult learners are some of the most persistent, motivated learners and employees in Massachusetts. I’m glad to take this week to shine a light on adult education and the people who participate in and teach these programs,” said Governor Maura Healey. “MassSTEP programs reduce the time necessary for residents to enter the workforce. By offering high-quality adult education instruction simultaneously with rigorous occupational skills training, these agencies are dramatically reducing the amount of time it takes for students to become employed in occupations that pay family-sustaining wages.”

“Massachusetts is a knowledge-based economy that depends on skilled workers. Adult education programs are critical to employers building their workforce and to individuals hoping to earn family-sustaining wages,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Models like MassSTEP allow adult education providers, workforce training providers, vocational schools, and employers to work together on programming that leads to outcomes that are beneficial both to students and employers.”

Public Adult Education of Massachusetts, part of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is working to address adult learners’ need for additional skills. During fiscal year 2024, 19,953 adults were enrolled in English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) programs, 6,755 adults were enrolled in adult basic education (ABE) programs and 821 adult learners obtained high school equivalency credentials and diplomas in Massachusetts.

“We know there is a high demand for adult education programs, and we’re grateful to all the partners who work with adult learners across the state, both in person and online,” said Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. “This round of MassSTEP funding continues a positive tradition of adult education programs partnering with the K-12 system, postsecondary education and job training providers. We’re glad to support these programs as they pair workforce training and English instruction.” 

Adults who participate in Public Adult Education of Massachusetts programs have the opportunity to explore career pathways, hone their skills, increase their wages and expand their ability to advocate for themselves and their families. 

Adult education and family literacy programs serve adults who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills, improve their oral and written English, obtain a high school equivalence degree, and prepare for postsecondary education or training. Family literacy programs serve parents and their school-age children, teaching basic skills, ESOL, and parenting skills to adults while their children are provided high-quality instruction. These programs are focused on helping adults gain the knowledge, skills and support they need to build the life they aspire to live.

“Adult learners are important members of the Massachusetts education system. They are learners, members of the workforce and models for younger students,” said Russell D. Johnston, acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education. “When a child sees the adults in their lives continuing to learn and advance, it sends a message that they can do the same.

“By placing adult learners at the center of our efforts, we ensure that their voices are heard and valued as we shape programs that align with their goals. This approach not only empowers students but strengthens our communities and workforce,” said Wyvonne Stevens-Carter, associate commissioner of DESE’s Office of Adult and Community Learning Services.

Anyone interested in becoming involved in Public Adult Education of Massachusetts, whether as a volunteer, teacher or learner, is invited to email publicadulteducationma@mass.gov. More information about Public Adult Education of Massachusetts is available at https://publicadulteducation.mass.gov/.

The MassSTEP grant recipients are: 
Ascentria Community Services, Inc. in Worcester: $100,000
Ascentria will offer an advanced manufacturing program in partnership with Quinsigamond Community College, Blackstone Valley Educational Hub, and Table Talk Pies (employer partner). Students will earn Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) MACWIC Level 1 Certificationand the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Technologies Credential.

Brockton Public Schools: $103,191
Brockton Public Schools will offer a commercial driver’s license program in partnership with CMSC Parker Professional Driving School and employer partners Boston Sand and Gravel, Burke Distributing Corporation and Coca-Cola. 

Community Action, Inc. in Haverhill: $59,187
Community Action will offer a welding program in partnership with Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School and employer partners East Coast Welding & Fabrication, AERO Manufacturing Company and Momentum Manufacturing Group. Students will earn credentials including Hot Work Certification.

Pathways Adult Education and Training in Lynn: $99,999
Pathway Adult Education and Training will offer a commercial driver’s license program in partnership with CMSC Parker Professional Driving School and employers the City of Lynn and Healey Bus, Inc. MassHire North Shore Workforce Board will provide vouchers for four students per cohort.

###