Young cosponsors legislation to expand nation’s adult education system – Ripon Advance

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Apr 22, 2025 - 16:00
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Young cosponsors legislation to expand nation’s adult education system – Ripon Advance

U.S. Senator Proposes Legislation to Expand Adult Education Programs

Introduction

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) recently proposed bipartisan legislation that aims to reauthorize and expand adult education programs in America. The proposed bill, known as the Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act (S. 1400), seeks to strengthen adult education and align it with the needs of the 21st century workforce.

Key Points

  1. The proposed legislation would nearly double the authorized funding for adult education by 2030 to $1.35 billion.
  2. The bill emphasizes the importance of digital and information literacy in adult education.
  3. Representation in the workforce planning process would be ensured, with a focus on college and career navigators in public libraries and community-based organizations.
  4. The professionalization of the adult education field would be supported through state certification policies, full-time staffing models, and expanded professional development opportunities and career pathways for adult educators.

Senator’s Statement

“It’s critical that all Hoosiers have the tools necessary to succeed in the modern economy, and that starts with strengthening adult education,” said Senator Young. “Our bipartisan bill would bolster critical services for adult learners, while also making important updates that ensure participants are prepared for the 21st century workforce.”

Support and Impact

The proposed legislation is supported by various organizations, including the Coalition for Adult Basic Education, the American Library Association, the National Coalition for Literacy, the National Skills Coalition, ProLiteracy, the Center for Law and Social Policy, the TESOL International Association, and the Urban Libraries Council.

Conclusion

Expanding and improving adult education programs is essential for the economic growth of the nation and the success of individuals. By aligning adult education with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as quality education (SDG 4) and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), this legislation aims to create a more prosperous and successful society.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

  1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues

    • SDG 4: Quality Education
    • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content

    • SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
    • SDG 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.

  3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

    • Increased funding for adult education programs by 2030 to $1.35 billion.
    • Emphasis on digital and information literacy in adult education.
    • Representation in the workforce planning process.
    • Investment in the professionalization of the adult education field.
    • Bolstering state certification policies.
    • Encouraging full-time staffing models.
    • Expanding professional development opportunities and career pathways for adult educators.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 4: Quality Education 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university. – Increased funding for adult education programs by 2030 to $1.35 billion.
– Emphasis on digital and information literacy in adult education.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training. – Representation in the workforce planning process.
– Investment in the professionalization of the adult education field.
– Bolstering state certification policies.
– Encouraging full-time staffing models.
– Expanding professional development opportunities and career pathways for adult educators.

Source: riponadvance.com