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: 19,599 speak English less than well
Total population: 18,383 have less than a high school degree
We are happy to share how Metro North ABE’ s High School Equivalency testing hours have surpassed our pre-COVID numbers. Prior to COVID, our highest testing hours was 702 hours, we have surpassed that three years in a row with this year being the highest yet and there are still two months of testing opportunities to come. This is a great accomplishment of our testing team and speaks of the continued need for High School Equivalency opportunities.
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 the educational needs of our communities.
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
6 lacks basic educational skills.