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
12,019 Consortia Students
STUDENT PROFILE
SUCCESS SNAPSHOT
33
51%
52%
72%
Median Age
English Language Learner
Spanish Speaker
Low Literacy
GENDER
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. DataVista, 2024-25 academic year (unless otherwise noted) and the VCAEC.
59% Female
WHY CHOOSE ADULT EDUCATION?
41%
3% Black 5% Asian
Male
3% Other
Note: This data excludes unknown and non-respondents Source: California Adult Education Program. (2026). 2024-25 academic year.
STUDENTS SERVED BY PROGRAM 4,721
2,572
Note: Student counts are duplicated as individuals may participate in multiple programs simultaneously.
1,834 835
ESL/ELL
1,494 Students
427 Students Earned a Diploma, GED, or High School Equivalency last year
DEMOGRAPHICS
17% White
In postsecondary coursework transitions (over 5 years)
In Career Technical Education fields
Source is DataVista, 2024-25 academic year, WestEd, and TOPSPro Enterprise.
73% Hispanic/Latino
145% Increase
30+ Programs
VCAEC serves diverse learners, building core skills for stable jobs, higher pay, and lifelong learning.
CTE
Adult Secondary Education
Adult Basic Education
437 Workforce Preparation
CAREER PROGRAMS
HIGHER EARNINGS
LEAD TO EMPLOYMENT
CREDENTIALS
WITH A DIPLOMA/GED
GAIN SKILLS FOR THE JOB
75%
38%
84%
of adult students find a job two quarters after exiting
more
more pay per week than those without one
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.
320
173
Adults Adults Training for Child with Disabilities K-12 Success
Source: California Adult Education Program. (2026). DataVista, 2024-25 academic year.
CAREER PATH PROGRESSION STUDENTS WITH 100+ BASIC SKILLS HOURS
EARN $10,000
5
MORE PER YEAR
INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS BY PROGRAM Adults with Disabilities: 16,674 Hours
ESL/ELL: 322,040 Hours
Diploma/GED
1 Enrollment
CTE: 488,847 Hours
(includes hours for Workforce Preparation, Pre-Apprenticeship, & Adults Training for Child K-12 Success) Source: CASAS TOPSpro Enterprise for the 2024-25 academic year.
4 Employment
3 2
ABE: 118,315 Hours ASE: 119,681 Hours
of adult students attain a credential
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