Testimony Before the Council of the District of Columbia Committee of the Whole Oversight Hearing on Adult Workforce Education in the District
By Andy Renard
Good afternoon, Chairman Mendelson and members of the Committee. My name is Andy Renard and I am the Associate Director of Policy and Political Affairs at the DC Charter School Alliance, the local non-profit that advocates on behalf of public charter schools to ensure that every student can choose high-quality public schools that prepare them for lifelong success.
I want to start by thanking the Council for holding this hearing as an opportunity to raise up the importance of adult workforce education. Adult charter schools have never been more important as DC residents face high unemployment rates and an unpredictable job market. These schools are doing essential work to ensure that all DC residents can acquire the skills they need to secure jobs that pay family-sustaining wages. Adult learners deserve an equal opportunity to advance their education and thrive in the 21st century economy.
We are very grateful for the District’s FY25 investment in adult education by increasing UPSFF adult weight from 0.75 to 1.0. This funding provides critical support for the more than 5,100 adult learners who are currently enrolled in our city’s ten adult public charter schools. We are also proud that these learners represent the diversity of our city— More than half of adult learners are Latino and 42% are Black. The data shows that adult education enrollment in DC is only expected to grow, and to accommodate this demand, it is paramount that our investment increase accordingly. The 2023 school funding adequacy study reinforced this need by recommending that adult charter schools be funded at a weight of 1.3 to ensure adequate resources for this critical student population.
The Success of Adult Charters
Within the city, 96% of jobs require at least a high school diploma or some postsecondary education and residents without high school diplomas earn at least $5,000 less annually than those with diplomas. Seven percent of DC residents over 25 lack a high school diploma, comprising more than 34,000 people, while 22% of adults ages 16-74 read at or below basic level. The racial income gap in DC is also profound. Data from the DC Fiscal Policy Institute showed that as of 2023, White household income is nearly three times greater than that of Black households. Adult public charter schools are crucial in the fight to close these gaps— Addressing critical literacy and numeracy skill deficits. All ten adult charter schools offer workforce development programs and eight offer academic programs including high school diploma equivalency.
DC’s adult charter sector, which serves 47% of all adult learners who attend publicly funded schools nationally, is a national model for what is possible for adult learning. The charter framework fosters an innovative approach to education that enables school leaders to design unique and impactful programs that meet the moment. Adult charters are highly responsive to the needs of an increasingly diverse population and can pivot quickly to address requirements of a changing workforce. Educators make assessments in real time and meet learners where they are to co-design academic plans and create stronger buy-in from students in the process.
Adult charter schools maintain strong partnerships with employers and create direct pipelines to occupations with family-sustaining wages. Through partnerships with the University of the District of Columbia and Trinity Washington University, these charters shape pathways for students to earn their associate and bachelor’s degrees, which fosters even more opportunity for learners to improve their earning potential. It is clear that adult charters provide critical workforce development infrastructure into key industries where there is high demand including healthcare, information technology, early childcare education and development, construction and more.
These schools create a positive ripple effect throughout the city and have a generational impact on the life cycle of families that experience the hardships of poverty. Studies have shown that a large proportion of DC high school graduates are still working minimum wage jobs well into adulthood. The opportunity to attend a program like those offered at an adult public charter school, secure career credentials, and gain jobs that pay a living wage is transformational. The most recent data shows that nearly 80% of adult learners who complete these programs secure and retain employment or enter post-secondary enrollment. It is also important to note that 54% of adult learners are parents of school-aged children. When we invest in adults who are overwhelmingly parents and raise their educational level, we must see it as an investment in their children's education as well.
Moving Forward
Adult education through our robust charter school sector represents incredible innovation that serves the city's workforce needs and we urge the council to strengthen funding for these vital programs. These schools currently face similar challenges to schools that serve K-12 students. School leaders report that there is a growing number of adult learners with disabilities who require accommodations to participate fully. Many learners and their families are also reeling from the aftermath of heightened federal immigration enforcement and schools are navigating how to provide additional security and transportation to keep students safe and engaged. We are grateful for Council's partnership and look forward to continued collaboration to ensure all adult learners can find the right pathway for their success. Thank you for your time and I’d be happy to answer any questions.
