Metro North ABE Links Newsletter, Spring 2020 | Page 6

ABE 101
Adult Basic Education (ABE) is
a free program that provides
classes to pursue a diploma,
learn English, GED preparation
and academic tutoring to
prepare for college. Any adult
17 years and older can enhance
their workplace skills to advance
their careers and become more
engaged citizens.
Low basic skills impact
employment, earnings and
economic mobility. Forty percent
of working low-skilled adults in
the United States have earnings
in the bottom fifth of the income
distribution. In the U.S., ABE
programs that are linked to
employment or postsecondary
education, like ours, can help
low-skilled adult learners
advance along a career path and
improve their employment and
earnings.
Through innovative teaching
and the flexibility to meet
students in diverse locations
and timeframes, Metro North
ABE serves low-skill workers in
the north metro. Each year we
offer new classes to meet our
community’s educational needs.
An individual is eligible for
ABE programming if he/she is:
17
at least 17 years of age, and
Data Corner
Low English skills and lack of a high school credentials present many challenges
to individuals in obtaining employment which offers a living wage for their
families. Below is a chart that shows the size of the populations in our member
school districts who might be experiencing these challenges and gives data to
show that Metro North is serving these populations who are most at need – all
with a goal of helping them achieve their goals and get a living wage.
As can be seen from the data from our member districts, the size of the need for the
education services we offer is great. While we are meeting a great deal of that need,
there is room for us to grow our services to serve even more individuals to help them
achieve their goals.
In Metro North, 1,276
enrolled with less than
high school degree
In Metro
North, 536 with
high school
degree highest
obtained
degree
In Metro North, 937
enrolled in English as a
Second Language
Our Impact
In total population,
19,377 have less than
a high school degree
In total population,
19,001 speak English
less than well
In total
population,
82,455 highest
degree obtained,
high school or
equivalent
not enrolled in K-12
instruction.
unable to speak, read
or write English, or
does not have a high
school diploma, or
lacks basic educational skills.
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