| When many people consider returning to school, they | | | | Improved Learning: Because adults will have both work |
| often reflect on what their high school experience was | | | | and life experience, they can apply these experiences |
| like. They have unpleasant memories of hard wooden | | | | in the classroom. Learning is usually much easier and |
| desks and strict teachers. Today's adult education | | | | quicker. Many adults find that they understand |
| system is much more improved. Going back to school | | | | information better than when they were a youth. |
| is now becoming a very popular choice for adults. | | | | Adult Education for All Ages: Adults will often find |
| There are many reasons why older people are | | | | themselves seated next to people in their 60's, 70's, |
| continuing their education. Some of these reasons | | | | and 80's. You will feel comfortable knowing that |
| include: | | | | everybody is there to learn |
| • Increase their chances of getting a promotion or | | | | Educational Costs: The cost of attending an adult |
| pay raise | | | | education program will be well worth it if you obtain a |
| • Improving their chances of acquiring a better job | | | | better job with a better salary. Some employers will |
| • Inspire their children to continue their education | | | | pay for education if it relates to the job. There are also |
| • Personal achievement and an interest in | | | | a number of financial aid packages available. |
| continuing their education | | | | Flexibility: There are many programs that will fit your |
| • Acquiring new skills needed for a current job | | | | busy lifestyle. Whether you work all day or spend your |
| According to the US Department of Labor, "for adults | | | | time caring for your children, there are programs and |
| who do go back to school, over 80% graduate with a | | | | courses available online or at night. Online programs |
| degree compared to less than 50% of those who | | | | often allow you to learn at your own pace. |
| attend college right after high school." Completing a | | | | Program Content: Adult education programs offer the |
| college education program or upgrading your education | | | | most up-to-date information and the latest technology. |
| is very important because most employers look to fill | | | | Adults have a different approach to learning than |
| their positions with qualified and educated workers. | | | | young people. Adult learning programs are focused on |
| Because technology is always changing, advancing | | | | their own personal needs and they have the freedom |
| your education will help you get that desired job | | | | to learn their own way. |
| interview and maybe even advance your career. | | | | If you are one of many people who are considering |
| Obtaining the most current degree or certificate is | | | | returning to school, you should not let fear and |
| essential for anyone seeking employment in a | | | | insecurity stop you. There are many people in your |
| specialized field. | | | | situation who are looking to improve their life. If you did |
| Common types of educational programs people enroll | | | | not complete your degree, this may be the perfect |
| in include: | | | | time to finish it. It is important to know that it is never |
| 1) GED: equivalent of a high school diploma | | | | too late to return to college and receive your diploma. |
| 2) Professional certification/Recertification | | | | Continuous life learning has many advantages, from |
| 3) On-the-job training | | | | obtaining your dream job to achieving a sense of |
| 4) Bachelors or graduate degrees such as a master's | | | | accomplishment. Education has no age limits and will |
| or doctorate | | | | help you open the door to a more satisfying career or |
| 5) English as a second language | | | | pay raise no matter how long you have been out of |
| There are number of benefits for adults who continue | | | | school. It is never too late for anyone to go back to |
| their education. They include: | | | | school. |