FACT SHEET 2026 The vision of the VCAEC is to create a collaborative, seamless, integrated student pathway system that is supportive, equitable, and responsive to community needs. Its mission is to deliver essential programs and services in adult basic and secondary education, English Language learning, and career education and training to help adult learners cultivate the skills they need to live, work, and thrive.
CONSORTIUM AT A GLANCE
13
31
Agencies
Regional Partners
11,038 Consortia Students
SUCCESS SNAPSHOT
STUDENT PROFILE 33
41%
52%
82%
Median Age
English Language Learner
Spanish Speaker
Low Literacy
VCAEC serves diverse learners, building core skills for stable jobs, higher pay, and lifelong learning.
DEMOGRAPHICS
GENDER
60%
72% Hispanic/Latino
145% Increase
In Career Technical Education fields
In postsecondary coursework transitions (over 5 years)
547 Students
1,563 Students
Earned a Diploma, GED, or High School Equivalency last year
Completed a CTE technical skills course or training milestone last year
Source: CASAS TOPSpro Enterprise, Chancellor's Office Management Information System, Employment Development Department Unemployment Insurance Dataset, National Student Clearinghouse, CSU/UC Match
Female
10% Caucasian
30+ Programs
39%
3% Black 5% Asian
WHY CHOOSE AN ADULT SCHOOL?
Male
11% Other
Note: This data excludes unknown and non-respondents
Source: California Adult Education Program. (2026). CAEP Fact Sheets. https://caladulted.org/CaepFactSheets
STUDENTS SERVED BY PROGRAM 4,479
2,608
Note: Student counts are duplicated as individuals may participate in multiple programs simultaneously.
2,339 925
ESL/ELL
CTE
Adult Secondary Education
Adult Basic Education
630 Workforce Preparation
181
130
Adults Adults Training for Child with Disabilities K-12 Success
*Hours column is apportioned according to the number of programs a student may be enrolled in. Source: California Adult Education Program. (2026). CAEP Fact Sheets. https://caladulted.org/CaepFactSheets. Data is from 2023-2024.
CAREER PROGRAMS
HIGHER EARNINGS
CREDENTIALS
LEAD TO EMPLOYMENT
WITH A DIPLOMA/GED
GAIN SKILLS FOR THE JOB
75%
38%
84%
more pay per week than those without one
of adult students attain a credential
of adult students find a job two quarters after exiting
more
Source: Source: California Employment Development Department (EDD). Workforce Services Information Notice WSIN25-19. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.
CAREER PATH PROGRESSION STUDENTS WITH 100+ BASIC SKILLS HOURS 5
EARN $10,000
4 Employment
MORE PER YEAR
INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS BY PROGRAM Adults with Disabilities: 16,674 Hours
ESL/ELL: 322,040 Hours
Diploma/GED
1 Enrollment
ABE: 118,315 Hours ASE: 119,681 Hours
3 2
CTE: 488,847 Hours (includes hours for Workforce Preparation, Pre-Apprenticeship, & Adults Training for Child K-12 Success)
Career Training
Higher Earnings
Source: Reder, S. (2014). The Impact of ABS Program Participation on Long-Term Economic Outcomes. U.S. Department of Education. lincs.ed.gov/publications/pdf/ABS_EconomicOutcomes.pdf
CONSORTIUM MEMBERS & PARTNERS Scan the QR Code to view the full list of our 31 partners