Report Highlights Economic Benefits of Alternative Schools for Adults

A recent report sheds light on the significant economic benefits of alternative schools that cater to mature students, adult newcomers, and individuals who did not complete high school. This analysis, conducted by Jim Silver, professor emeritus of urban and inner-city studies at the University of Winnipeg, highlights the untapped potential of these educational programs in fostering economic growth.

Silver, who has advocated for increased provincial funding for adult education as part of poverty-reduction initiatives, released the findings in collaboration with the Manitoba Research Alliance and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. This cost-benefit analysis surveyed adults who obtained their mature high school diplomas within the last five years, revealing promising outcomes for both individuals and the broader community.

A survey conducted by Probe Research from January 20 to April 28 included participants from various locations, including Winnipeg, The Pas, Altona, Killarney, and Boissevain. The results indicate that approximately five out of six graduates are either employed, pursuing further education, or doing both. This translates to an impressive 83 percent success rate.

The findings further revealed that more than 60 percent of the 63 individuals who were previously reliant on employment and income assistance reported they no longer need such support. This shift results in a significant reduction in social assistance costs and new tax contributions from working graduates, amounting to an estimated $700,000 annually.

During a launch event at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Silver emphasized the importance of re-envisioning education to include adult learning. He stated, “We ought to be radically re-imagining what education is,” urging the audience to recognize the value of adult education in economic development.

One participant, Norma Zacharias, expressed her excitement about completing her final year at Regional Connections Immigrant Services in Winkler, Manitoba. A new mother who moved from Tamaulipas, Mexico in 2022, Zacharias highlighted the benefits of obtaining her diploma while balancing work and childcare. “I think it will give me a better opportunity at my work… and see if I can do a little career,” she said, reflecting on her educational journey.

At a recent conference hosted by the Adult Secondary Education Council, Silver called on educators and students to help rebrand adult learning centers as essential contributors to the economy. The event was attended by around 100 people, including students and certified teachers, who responded enthusiastically to his message.

Silver suggested that English teachers assign their students to write letters about the value of their alternative education experiences. These letters could be sent to Reneé Cable, the Minister of Advanced Education, and Premier Wab Kinew, as a way to raise awareness of the impact of adult learning.

The report also noted that nine out of ten participants indicated their children benefited from their parents’ educational pursuits. It concluded that the government of Manitoba could break even on its investment in adult basic education within a decade. Silver’s survey boasts a margin of error of plus or minus 4.83 percentage points, ensuring a high level of reliability in its findings.

Zacharias, looking to the future, hopes to provide a “proper education” for her daughter, emphasizing the long-term value of a high school diploma. The report underscores that achieving a mature diploma not only delivers personal and family advantages but also contributes to fiscal benefits for the province.

This comprehensive analysis illustrates the vital role that alternative schools play in enhancing both individual and community outcomes, reinforcing the necessity for continued support and investment in adult education programs across Manitoba and beyond.