WHAT DOES ADULT EDUCATION MEAN FOR ME?

It means it's never too late to learn! If you didn’t finish high school, feel unprepared for college or a career, or need to improve your language, math, or technology skills, Louisiana's Adult Education network, WorkReady U, is here to help! We offer FREE CLASSES throughout Louisiana to help you skill up, and all types of aid are available if you need assistance with testing costs, paying for college or career training, or even locating emergency financial assistance or community resources. 

Want to know if you would benefit from Adult Education classes? 

• Do you need to complete a High School Equivalency (HSE)?
• Did you graduate high school but need to improve your reading, writing, or math skills?
• Have you struggled with taking college classes?
• Do you need to train for a new job in a short amount of time?
• Want to be able to help your kids with their homework?
• Do you have a diploma or training from a country outside the United States?
• Wish you knew how to use a computer and other forms of technology?

Use the WorkReady U Pathway Finder to locate your Adult Education Provider!

WHAT DO YOU PROVIDE YOUR ADULT LEARNERS?

Our WorkReady U (WRU) network, supported by the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), not only provides FREE Adult Education classes but also connects our students to career counseling, job skills training, financial aid resources, and community services for basic needs.

• The High School Equivalency (HSE) Exam Scholarship helps our WRU learners pay for HiSET testing fees, or students could also qualify to take the Accuplacer exam for FREE if pursuing the college placement test HSE pathway.   

Read More HSE Exam Scholarship Details

Complete the HSE Exam Scholarship Application

• All WRU students receive a FREE membership in the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) which provides adult learners access to emergency funds and scholarships, free life insurance, and free registration for the national COABE conference. Students can remain members of COABE for up to five years after graduation from their Adult Education program, and can also opt out of membership at any time by contacting [email protected]. 

Read More COABE Membership Details

Apply for COABE Educate & Elevate Emergency or Scholarship Funds

CAN I QUALIFY FOR GRANTS WITHOUT A DIPLOMA?

The M.J. Foster Promise Program provides financial assistance to students who enroll in a qualified program at a two-year Louisiana public college or university, and are pursuing the education/training required for certain high-demand, high-wage careers aligned with Louisiana’s workforce priorities. To be eligible for the M.J. Foster funds, students must:

• Be 20 years of age and a U.S. Citizen and a Louisiana Resident
• Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent, OR are dual-enrolled in an Adult Education program to earn a High School Equivalency recognized by the state of Louisiana
• Have not previously earned an undergraduate degree at the associate level or above

Read More M.J. Foster Promise Program Details 

Apply for M.J. Foster Program Funds

All Louisiana community and technical colleges offer Workforce Training programs, which are short-term trainings that can lead to industry based credentials like Certified Nurse's Aid, Forklift Driver, Welder, or Fiber Optic Technician. Many of these programs are eligible to students who are still working on completing their High School Equivalency (HSE) and may have related grant funds through the college or the local Louisiana Workforce Commission to assist with the costs.

Locate a Louisiana Community or Technical College Workforce Program

Apply for Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Funding through Your Local Office

WHAT IF I ALSO NEED COLLEGE CLASSES?

Being in a WorkReady U programs doesn't mean you have to choose between Adult Education and college-you can do BOTH! Adult Dual Enrollment means you can work on your High School Equivalency, language, math, or technology skills AND be taking classes through one of our LCTCS colleges. Talk to your WRU program about the following options:

• The Adult Career Pathways / 5 for 6 Scholarship will pay for the first 6-8 credit hours of a career pathway to help WRU students become eligible for federal financial aid, while still working on their High School Equivalency (HSE).

Contact WRU for More Info about Adult Career Pathways / 5 for 6 Scholarship

• The Next Steps Scholarship provides financial assistance to WorkReady U graduates who enroll in classes through a Louisiana community or technical college after completing their HSE. 

Read More Next Steps Scholarship Details

Complete the Next Steps Scholarship Application

• To be considered for federal grants, work-study jobs on campus, and student loans that could help you pay for college classes long-term, you only need to complete ONE application-the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You can complete the FAFSA even if you are still working on your high school equivalency through Adult Education (through the Career Pathway/Ability to Benefit option).

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Use the Federal Aid Calculator to Get an Award Estimate