Senate Education Advances Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Adult Education

More than 300,000 Colorado adults lack a high school diploma. But 74% of jobs in Colorado now require some level of postsecondary education. Today the Senate Education committee advanced bipartisan legislation to expand adult education grant programs. SB-009 strengthens our current workforce as well as future ones: adult education supports families through increasing likelihood of childhood academic success, improved health outcomes and reducing recidivism rates.

"Basic education should be a right for all citizens, no matter their age," said sponsor Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). "We need strong, supportive programs that equip our residents for a rapidly changing workforce and also give them the tools necessary to be active partners in their children's education and participants on our democracy."

SB-009 expands grant funding to adult education providers who partner with K-12 schools, not just providers who partner with postsecondary and job placement programs. This helps improve literacy and livelihoods for not just today's adult students, but future generations as well. It's anticipated that SB-009 will raise the number of adult learners served by 50%.