Almost 10% of all adults in the United States lack a high school diploma. Over 50 million Americans have jobs that require no more than a high school education.
Yet, jobs with this comparatively low level of educational attainment are disappearing quickly. According to the Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, it’s projected that “72% of jobs in the country will require a college degree or some sort of post-secondary training”. This leaves around “only 1.3 million job openings for adults without a high school diploma.”
Additionally, a global talent survey with found that “69% of employers in the U.S. said they are struggling to find the skilled talent” they need, and a “national analysis found that in half of U.S. labor markets, more than 50% of middle‑skill credentials would need to shift to different fields to meet projected workforce demands through 2031.
And it’s already happening. In 2026, Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School (AoH) increased its enrollment ceiling from 1,000 to 1,500 learners due to the dramatic rise in applications for high school and workforce training programs in recent years. This is because adults are already facing pressures of a downward economy, alongside other factors.
To meet projected workforce demands and keep adults and their families afloat in the economy, additional education and upskilling opportunities are needed. Opportunities not only fill job openings, but also contribute to our economy and provide adults direct pathways towards economic mobility.
Our nation’s capital has acted as a catalyst in solving this problem by offering free adult education to individuals over the age of 18 through adult public charter schools. The nine adult public charter schools in Washington, DC, including AoH, offer core services, such as:
- Adult English as a Second Language
- Numeracy, literacy, and workforce development
- High school diploma and equivalency pathways
- Workforce credentials aligned to in-demand sectors like healthcare, education, hospitality, and IT
The programs are no-cost, with accessible schedules, wraparound services, and additional support to help adults who face socioeconomic and personal barriers persevere through their education.
Around 5,000 adults are served every year. AoH alone celebrated 55 high school and 141 workforce training graduates from their programs, achieving the educational and career goals that strengthen families, communities, and the District’s workforce.
Continued investment in adult education programs, like AoH, is not just an investment in individuals. It is an investment in stronger families, resilient communities, and a sustainable American workforce. Learn more about why adult education matters and how you can drive impact HERE.