Data Corner Our Impact
Low English skills and a lack of a high school credential present many challenges to individuals in obtaining employment that offers a living wage. Below is a chart of the people living in the eight school districts in Metro North ABE: Elk River, St. Francis, Anoka-Hennepin, Centennial, Spring Lake Park, Fridley, Columbia Heights, and Brooklyn Center.
Metro North ABE: 1,012 enrolled with less than a high school degree
Total population: 84,376 highest degree obtained, high school or equivalent
Metro North ABE: 817 enrolled in English as a Second Language
Metro North ABE: 988 with high school degree highest obtained degree
Total population: 18,383 have less than a high school degree
Total population: 19,599 speak English less than well
In our consortium, the need for educational services is great. While we are meeting a great deal of that need, we could be serving more adults. With your help, we can give all adults in our community the skills they need to reach their goals.
Since the pandemic, total contact hours have not only recovered but reached new heights. After the 2020 / 2021 low point of 171,351 hours, participation has grown each year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 2022 / 2023. The momentum has continued with record-breaking totals of 316,665 hours in 2023 / 2024 and 328,378 hours in 2024 / 2025— the highest we have ever had in our forty-plus year history. This steady growth shows the strength of our programs and the remarkable commitment of learners and staff who have driven engagement well beyond pre-pandemic benchmarks.
17 +
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
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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