Educating Adults in Western Massachusetts since 1984

 

The Need for Adult Basic Education

Workers in the 21st century need more education than ever before.
 Throughout the country, low-skilled jobs are disappearing, and most of the newly created jobs require an associates degree or higher. 

Many adults do not have the skills they need to survive in this economy.

Approximately one third of Massachusetts’ workers (1.1 of 3.2 million) do not have the skills required to perform in the state’s rapidly changing economy. 

Over 16,000 adults in Franklin and Hampshire counties do not have either a GED or a high school diploma.  More than a quarter of those (29%) have less than a 9th grade education. 

Without a GED or diploma, low-skilled workers are caught in a cycle of poverty.

The minimum wage in Massachusetts is currently $8.00 per hour.  Labor and Workforce Development website.

To live in Franklin or Hampshire county without a government subsidy, a single parent with 2 children needs to have a full-time, year-round job with an hourly wage of $17-$20 (or $37,000 - $42,000 per year). 

A woman living in Franklin County who does not have a high school diploma can expect to earn only $12,000 per year. 

In Hampshire County, she could expect $16,000 – well below the level required to cover costs without public subsidy. 

In addition to low wages, unemployment hits low-skilled workers at a much higher rate than workers with higher education. 

In 2008, the unemployment rate was 2.8% for college graduates, and 9.0% for high school dropouts.   

With an Associate’s Degree or some college courses, workers can expect to see a significant rise in income.

For women with some college or an Associate’s Degree living in our region, the average income rises to $26,000.   Men with some college can expect to earn $42,000.        

Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, 1999;  MassINC report, New Skills for a New Economy, 2001; Census 2000; Franklin/Hampshire Adult Basic Education Community Planning Assessment of Needs and Assets; Self-Sufficiency Calculator, Crittenton’s Women’s Union.   

 

 

 

 

The pool of jobs
open to unskilled
workers is rapidly
shrinking.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Year

% of jobs
open to unskilled labor

1950

    60%

1996

    30%

2000

    15%

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

A full time worker
earning minimum
wage cannot support a family.