When analyzing the barriers that job seekers face in seeking employment, educational attainment is a common obstacle ⎯ specifically high school completion. From March 2020 through March 2021, 55.7% of Marion County unemployment insurance claimants reported that they had a high school diploma or less. Individuals with lower levels of education or training often experience higher unemployment rates, lower median family income, and fewer opportunities for skills advancement. 

Through CARES Act funding distributed by the City of Indianapolis, Marion County adult education providers expanded services and funded more opportunities for individuals to receive the training and reskilling necessary to take the next step towards their education and career goals. “This investment allows for more residents to overcome barriers to pursuing and completing  post secondary education or training, which will better prepare them to land a good job in Indianapolis as the economy recovers,” said Marie Mackintosh, EmployIndy Chief Strategy Officer. 

The Rapid Reskilling grant has acted as a vital support to local adult education providers by reimbursing them for investments in COVID-affected participants enrolled in their adult education programs. Throughout the grant period at the height of the pandemic, the Rapid Reskilling grant paid over $4.4 million in reimbursements to Marion County adult education providers for use in improving their training and e-learning services. Providers and students accessed barrier-busting resources and technology solutions to adapt to the acute need for virtual and hybrid classroom models. Overall, this investment enabled more Marion County residents to finish high school, remediate basic skills, and pursue occupational training in high-wage, high-demand career pathways. 

The seven local providers that received support include: Goodwill Excel Centers, Indy Reads, Marian University, Warren Township Adult and Community Education, Washington Township Adult Education, Wayne Township Adult Education and the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. Through Rapid Reskilling funds, these providers were able to collectively serve an additional 2,227 students between March and December last year. 

Take a moment to watch the video below and see the powerful impact that these adult education programs have had on individuals in our communities.

To learn more about adult education and upcoming training opportunities or to get connected to an adult education provider near you, visit: workoneindy.com/adult-ed/.