Adult learners are individuals over the age of 16 “who did not complete their K- 12 education, or who possess a high school diploma or equivalent but nevertheless have gaps in basic skills such as reading, math, or spoken English.” Most are employed and are parents or primary caregivers of school-age children. Adult learners come to the library with a wealth of life experiences and knowledge. They are goal-oriented, focused on meaningful lessons and achievable goals, and motivated to learn.
– American Library Association. (2019). Literacy for all toolkit, with quotation from National Skills Coalition. Adult education: A crucial foundation for middle-skill jobs.

About adult learners

• Working poor or those looking for work: 64% of adults with low academic skills are employed. They earn low wages and lack the preparation to succeed in postsecondary education and most training.
• Youth: Every year, over 2 million students drop out of high school in the United States. They join the 5.5 million youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who are neither enrolled in school nor participating in the labor market. When they decide to complete their education, they enroll in adult education.
• Immigrants: By 2030, it is projected that nearly one in five U.S. workers will be an immigrant. However, nearly 20 million U.S. adults have limited English proficiency. English instruction is an essential part of adult education.
• Parents: Most adult learners are parents and primary caregivers of school-age children. Many are motivated to return to school by wanting to serve as better role models for their children and help their children succeed in school.

World Education. (2019). Adult ed facts.

Challenges for adult learners

For U.S. adults with low skills or low academic attainment, finding the time or resources to go back to school can be difficult because of family and work obligations … that may complicate participation in education or training.

• Of the over 40 million adults at the lowest levels of literacy, nearly 56 percent are employed, 77 percent have children, and 44 percent are both employed and have children.
• Of the nearly 63 million adults at the lowest levels of numeracy, nearly 56 percent are employed, 74 percent have children, and 42 percent are both employed and have children.
• Of the nearly 31 million adults with less than a high school diploma or equivalent, nearly 49 percent are employed, 58 percent have children, and 32 percent are both employed and have children.
• Of the nearly 58 million adults with no more than a high school diploma or equivalent, approximately 64 percent are employed, 71 percent have children, and 45 percent are both employed and have children.

National Center for Education Research. (2018). Family, Work, and Education: The Balancing Act of Millions of U.S. Adults