By Audrey Ellis Staff Writer
East Central College student Caitlyn Hanna traveled to Washington, D.C., from Sept. 15th through the 17th as a student ambassador for the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE). She was joined by Alice Whalen, director of Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) at ECC. Together, they paired with adult learners and educators from across the nation at Flood The Hill, where students spoke to lawmakers about the importance of adult education programs.
The Missouri group met with staff from the offices of Sen. Eric Schmitt, Rep. Bob Onder, and Rep. Ann Wagner, among others. Meetings took place in the Longworth House Office Building, the Rayburn Building, and the Russell Senate Building, where students often spoke with legislative assistants who handle education policy. For example, in Rep. Wagner’s office, Hanna and Whalen spoke with her assistant Jordan Blackwell, who advises the congresswoman on education issues.
Their message carried urgency as the Senate supports continuing funding, the House has proposed cutting it entirely. If this decision passes it would eliminate free or low-cost programs like the GED, HiSET, and English as a Second Language (ESL) that help millions of Americans build careers, continue their education, and support their families.
“I got my HiSET through the AEL at East Central,” Hanna said, “And I got my substitute teaching and I loved the experience.” She went on to express that the teachers were very supportive and that she continues to go back to visit them.
The Missouri Association for Adult Continuing and Community Education (MAACCE) have launched career pathway programs to help adult learners train for jobs such as construction work, certified nursing assistants, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers. Hanna has gotten her substitute teaching certificate from them. Showing adult education isn’t just diplomas, these programs can give real career preparation.
Advocates stress that adult education benefits communities as a whole. According to Hanna, studies show that people who earn a high school equivalency diploma while incarcerated are far less likely to return to prison. Education also lowers unemployment and drives down crime rates, creating safer and more stable neighborhoods.
The adult education programs not only transform individual lives but also strengthen communities by preparing a more skilled workforce and expanding opportunities. The power of education is something that can’t be ignored. The opportunities provided by higher education can change someone’s world which leads to changes in the entire world.
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