Returning to school can be one of the most important moments of an adult’s life. At Academy of Hope (AoH), some learners may advance their reading, writing, and numeracy skills to earn their high school diploma. They may also pursue higher education. Others may train in workforce development to receive higher-paying jobs. Whatever an AoH learner accomplishes, the mental health benefits are proven to follow.
Adult learners who begin school with lower basic reading and writing skills have faced barriers due to their abilities. They may be unable to read a book or fill out a job application. Their current literacy skills have prevented them from reaching higher levels of education and careers. These challenges can cause disappointment, frustration, and financial immobility, all of which impact overall mental health and well-being.
When learners progress in their abilities and higher-level English and language arts (ELA) classes, the better they do in their academics and daily lives. When reading and writing become more manageable, learners will see heightened levels of self-esteem and confidence, allowing them to tackle the challenges they may have been afraid of before.
Understanding how to navigate the digital world can also reduce stress. In a society where everything revolves around technology, it can be difficult for those who lack digital literacy skills to complete tasks or communicate with peers. Through AoH’s Digital Literacy course, learners can improve their ability to use a computer, write an email, or surf the web, bringing greater confidence and independence to daily tasks.
Those who have ELA or digital expertise prior to returning to school can also feel the effects. According to ABC Life Literacy Canada, learners who come back to school “report feeling a sense of purpose, increased self-esteem, and a renewed sense of hope.” AoH learners may experience this because they’re not just receiving educational opportunities, but a chance to transform their lives and communities.
We acknowledge that many adult learners have stopped their education due to systemic barriers— like racism, economic hardship, illness, or caregiving responsibilities. Some even face mental health diagnoses, like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. So, when learners get the chance to improve their lives and others through education, they are more motivated to do so, boosting their mood.
Being able to share this experience and common goal with other learners also provides a sense of community. Together, learners can encourage each other to finish their programs, offer support, or lend a hand. AoH teachers, administrators, and the Student Support Team can also provide counseling or resources learners need— like childcare or federal assistance— to lift roadblocks and focus on school.
Once learners finish their programs and earn their credentials, they are put on a direct path towards economic mobility. Those who’ve earned their GED now have a 15% greater chance of earning a full-time, stable job, while those who’ve completed workforce programs have an opportunity to earn higher-paying careers. Both result in an elevated economic status, reducing stress and anxiety.
Adult learning has the power to transform lives. Returning to school spikes cognitive growth in basic and advanced skillsets, making it easier for learners to complete daily tasks. The community offered by a school environment allows learners to build relationships and share stories, understanding that they don’t face their challenges alone. The benefits can help improve mental health, influencing other spheres of wellness to create a better self for their community.