On October 15, the Rethink Adult Ed Challenge team hosted a virtual information session for adult education providers interested in entering the $750,000 competition. Scott Stump, Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education, discussed the role pre-apprenticeships play in breaking down access barriers to apprenticeships and other industry roles. Following an overview of the national challenge, attendees had an opportunity to ask questions.
Watch the session recording and read on for highlights from the live event. A summary of questions and answers will be published soon.
Expanding career opportunities for adult learners
Apprenticeships expand career opportunities, but many adult learners face barriers to accessing them. Pre-apprenticeships break down these barriers by helping adults enter, prepare for, and succeed in apprenticeships and other industry roles with opportunities for progression.
“Pre-apprenticeships are often described as a stepping stone and are particularly important for those who are under-represented in apprenticeship programs, such as women or people who were formerly incarcerated. They equip adult learners with a range of skills, including both academic skills like literacy and math, as well specific technical skills that they will need in their chosen field.”
— Scott Stump, Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education
Supporting the development of high-quality pre-apprenticeships
Up to 100 finalists will progress to Stage 2, during which they will refine their program designs and develop more detailed proposals. A judging panel will select a grand-prize winner to receive $250,000 and up to five runners-up to receive at least $100,000 each.
“The Rethink Adult Ed Challenge will give all finalists access to a great set of curated resources and support to help them develop their program designs. These resources will include everything from how to design an effective curriculum to how to market programs and recruit adult learners. They are intended to not only help participants with their Stage 2 submissions, but also equip them with the knowledge and skills to go out and implement a program beyond the challenge.”
— Cheryl Keenan, Director, Division of Adult Education and Literacy, U.S. Department of Education
Enter the $750,000 Rethink Adult Ed Challenge
To get started on your preliminary program proposal, create a challenge profile and review the submission form. Proposals are due by November 25. The challenge is open to all AEFLA-funded providers — including those without prior experience running pre-apprenticeships — to encourage a broad range of entrants across diverse industries and locations.
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