About Adult Education

What is Adult Education?

Adult Education, also known as Adult Basic Education (ABE), is a state-wide system that serves adults who are working towards a high school credential, learning English, improving basic skills such as literacy and math, and/or preparing for post-secondary education or employment. Adult Education is funded with both federal and state funds, and services are delivered through a network of 42 consortia comprising all Minnesota school districts as well as other partners including the correctional system and community-based organizations.

The mission of Adult Education in Minnesota is to provide adults with educational opportunities to acquire and improve the literacy skills needed to become self-sufficient and to participate effectively as productive workers, family members, and citizens.


Who is eligible to receive Adult Education services?

To be eligible, an individual must be:

  • age 17 or older and not enrolled in or required to be enrolled in any school in the K-12 system,

And must meet one or both of the following criteria:

  • lacks a secondary (high school) credential

  • functions below the 12th grade level in any of the basic academic areas including reading, math, and ability to read, write and understand English.


What is the cost?

All classes are offered at no cost to students.


Do I need an appointment?

No! Willmar Adult Education is an open-learning environment. Interested persons may stop into the our office/computer lab anytime that we are open (Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM). No appointment is needed to enroll with Willmar Adult Education.

Outcomes

Adult Education supports students as they work towards one or more of the following goals:

  • Obtain employment or improve employment by getting a new job or getting a promotion

  • Achieve a high school equivalency (GED or Diploma)

  • Gain or improve skills necessary to enter post-secondary education and training

  • Improve ability to speak, read, write and understand the English language

  • Master basic academic skills to help support their children in school

  • Become a U.S. citizen

  • Pass the Minnesota Driver's Knowledge Test

  • Achieve technology skills for basic computers

  • Become a more active and engaged community member

  • Gain self-esteem, confidence and achieve personal educational goals