09/17/2026
September 16, 2026
Indiana Department of Workforce Development Awards 'Programs of Excellence' Designation to The Literacy Alliance.
This designation comes during a fitting week for The Literacy Alliance (TLA) to celebrate. The City of Fort Wayne has proclaimed September 14-19 Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, recognizing the impact adult learners have on their families and communities. Adult learners who earn a high school equivalency (HSE/GED) see an average wage increase of $8,900, underscoring just how much is at stake for the students this designation represents.
Earlier this week, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development notified 39 adult education programs across the state of their designation as a Program of Excellence. DWD started this designation in 2022-23 to recognize adult education programs that meet multiple state and federal metrics around student academic achievement, enrollment, partnering with employers, offering high-demand wage training, and high school equivalencies earned.
The Literacy Alliance has earned this designation once before, in the 2024-25 program year, and the impact reaches well beyond the classroom. Across TLA’s service area. (Allen, Wells, and Adams Counties), adult education success translates into real economic activity as students upskill through career training and foundational education credentials. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the average yearly wage increase of earning a high school credential at $8,400. The high school credential also provides access to postsecondary education or training, which further increases Hoosier employment and economic opportunities.
DWD Commissioner, Kate Shelby, recognizes the critical work a local adult education program contributes to the state, "Indiana continues to excel as a state due to the hard work, dedication, and innovative practices being implemented at the program level in communities every day."
All programs will be recognized by DWD Adult Education leadership at the Indiana Association of Adult and Continuing Education award ceremony on September 30th, 2026.
Remound Wright, Interim CEO of The Literacy Alliance, sees this designation as proof of what workforce ready education can do for the region. "Our programs exist to connect adults with real career pathways, not just a diploma. When someone earns their credential through The Literacy Alliance, they're stepping into better job opportunities, higher wages, and a stronger future for their family. This recognition tells us and our workforce partners that what we're building here is working."
Heather, one of this year's graduates, knows that impact firsthand. After stepping away from high school years ago to raise her son, she returned this year determined to earn her diploma alongside him as part of the Class of 2026. Reflecting on the experience, she said the Literacy Alliance staff created an environment that was "positive, kind, and safe," and her advice to others considering the same path is simple: "you can do it, and it's not as hard as people think."
Indiana Adult Education enrolled over 27,000 adult students across the state in the most recent program year and is a national leader in student achievement, high school equivalency diplomas earned, career certifications, and employer-based education. For more information on Indiana Adult Education, please visit DWD: AmplifyAE (in.gov).
If you or someone you know is ready to earn a high school equivalency diploma (HSE/GED) or wants to build English language skills as a non-native speaker, The Literacy Alliance offers free programs designed to help you move forward, whatever that looks like for you. Whether the goal is a better job, further training, or continuing education, we meet students where they are and help them take the next step. Learn more or apply today at literacyalliance.org.
