The Potential of Adult Education as a Postsecondary Pathway for Immigrant Status Dropouts

• In Event: Roundtable Session 45
  In Roundtable Session: Perspectives on Adult Immigrants as Learners

Abstract

Research on immigrant students in the U.S. has overlooked the large and growing number of immigrants who come to the U.S. over age 15 with incomplete secondary education. Though labeled “status dropouts,” increasing numbers turn to adult education seeking a “second chance” pathway to college and job training. This mixed methods study focused on 149 Latino immigrant "non-completers" enrolled in adult and second chance education programs in New York City. Participants’ aspirations to college and careers and strong engagement with school contrasted with their limited skills, cursory knowledge of English, and lack of knowledge of post-secondary pathways. Results highlight the important role that adult education providers play in providing skills training, remediation and post-secondary transition planning.

Author

• Marguerite Lukes, City University of New York