Creating a Future of Supporting Lifelong Learning Will Also Depend on Adult Learners and Their Access to Education

Adult education is undergoing a radical transformation as adult learners are no longer an afterthought. Traditional classrooms are almost obsolete, and flexible, online programs tailored to individual needs are replacing them. This shift in teaching methods is not just about convenience—it has real-world implications. This is noted in a study conducted by the Department of Education citing that adults without a high school diploma were more likely to earn significantly less over their lifetime than those who do.

Can adult learners, regardless of background, have the opportunity and resources to continue their education and achieve their goals?

For the second segment of “Supporting Adult Learning in a DisruptEd World,” host Ron J. Stefanski chatted with Vicki Greene, CEO of the GED Testing Service, and Dr. Howard Liebman, CEO and Superintendent of Schools at Smart Horizons Career Online Education. Their conversation examined the groundbreaking initiatives that Greene and Liebman have spearheaded, respectively, in the realm of adult education.

Sefanski, Greene, and Liebman further explored:

• The collaboration between GED and Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where adults are paid to study for the GED and offered jobs upon completion.
• The transition from traditional tuition reimbursement to tuition assistance in corporations, with a focus on frontline workers.
• The significant impact of advisors in adult learners’ journeys and the role they play in building confidence and providing support.

Vicki Greene is the CEO of the GED Testing Service, a program committed to ensuring anyone has the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma. Under her leadership, the organization has developed innovative partnerships with employers, implemented programs to support learners, and has redefined what adult education looks like.

Dr. Howard Liebman is the CEO and Superintendent of Schools at Smart Horizons Career Online Education. Known for re-engaging adults in education, Leibman is recognized for his initiatives.

Article written by Alexandra Simon.