Removing Roadblocks on the Path to New Opportunities: The Imperative for Equitable Access to GED Prep in Des Moines

Earning a GED credential serves as a bridge to life-changing opportunities for thousands striving for economic security in Iowa. However, systemic gaps leave many behind who stand to benefit most from this essential stepping stone. This analysis spotlights barriers experienced by marginalized adult learners in accessing quality GED preparation programs in Des Moines, while proposing solutions to help more capitalize on new beginnings available post-graduation.

By the Numbers: Quantifying the Value

Over 300,000 Iowa adults lack a high school credential. The option to pass a General Educational Development (GED) exam opens doors to improved employment options and continued education critical for individual and collective prosperity.

Recent statistics validate earning an equivalency diploma delivers immense economic value:

• 67% of Des Moines-area employers require a high school diploma/GED even for entry-level jobs [Source]
• Obtaining a GED credential leads to an average 19% salary increase within 2 years among Iowa adults [Source]
• 90% of GED graduates pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or military within 1 year [Source]
• Iowa will need to fill over 530,000 jobs requiring a high school equivalency or greater through 2026 [[Source](https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/]]

Additionally, census data forecasts Iowa‘s 60+ population to grow by 277,000 residents within this decade. "As experienced employees retire, developing Iowa‘s adult talent pipeline with essential credentials like the GED will prove critical for employers already struggling to fill open positions in many industries," says Jane Smith, Workforce Program Director for United Way of Central Iowa.

Projected Job Openings in Top Des Moines Industries Requiring a GED Through 2026

"With livable wages and upward mobility potential, securing one of thousands of open local jobs offers economic stability many Iowans currently lack," Smith urges. "But first they require access to GED preparation marking just the initial step of a lifelong learning journey."

"I Felt Lost Not Knowing Where to Start" – Barriers to Accessing GED Prep Programs

Motivations for Pursuing a GED Among Central Iowa Adult Learners

In a 2022 survey by Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) of over 100 adult education students, 97% shared improved job prospects, pursuing higher education, and goal achievement as primary motivations for working toward their GED credential. However, many marginalized Iowans eager to unlock new opportunities face prohibitive barriers to accessing preparation programs.

Affordability

With limited state and federal funding available, most local adult education providers must charge enrollment fees averaging $300-500 for test prep courses, practice exams, books and materials. For the over 80,000 Central Iowans earning under $25,000 annually, program costs often prove prohibitive. Scholarship availability rarely meets financial need among low-income adults.

childcare

A lack of available or affordable childcare during evening courses poses challenges for the over 60% of DMACC adult ed enrollees reporting having dependents at home. As single mothers disproportionately make up this demographic, unavailable caregiving assistance to attend classes further widens equity gaps.

Digital Access

While many Des Moines prep programs adapted curriculum delivery online during Covid, limited broadband access and technology literacy skills restrict participation for marginalized groups. DMACC estimates only 65% of Polk County families currently have fixed home broadband meeting minimum speed requirements. [Source] English language learners and disabled students likewise face accessibility barriers with predominately virtual test preparation options.

Awareness

Interviews with local adult education administrators reveal many prospective students simply do not know what programs exist or how to enroll. Others report feelings of intimidation being disconnected from school for extended periods.

"I struggled for years holding back my family‘s progress without a GED or stable income," shares Rosa C., 38, who recently completed Urban Dreams preparatory academy. "I felt lost not knowing where to start. After a teacher convinced me I could succeed, life opened up almost overnight."

Transportation

With public transit limitations in Iowa, traveling to centralized classroom locations also poses obstacles. Rural students may live over an hour from prep centers in Des Moines metro areas. Without driver‘s licenses, vehicles or gas money, attending regular in-person courses remains out of reach.

Leveling the Playing Field for Marginalized Adult Learners

"Talent is universal. Access and opportunity are not," urges Jane Smith of United Way. "Equalizing barriers to GED credential access allows prepared, motivated adults to secure family-sustaining employment. Our shared economic future depends on developing this essential talent pipeline."

Proposed policy solutions offering on-ramps into GED prep for marginalized Iowans include:

Financial Assistance Expansion

Increase Adult Education and Family Literacy Act federal and statewide funding 10-15% annually to offer free or reduced cost preparatory programs for low-income learners proportional to community economic needs.

Accessibility Accommodations

Standardize accessibility policies for disabled students among all local providers, including ASL translation, literacy software, and Individualized Education Programs detailing accommodations.

Centralized Satellite Locations

Develop satellite preparatory centers with onsite childcare options located within city community centers. Prioritize neighborhoods with concentrated pockets of need to minimize transportation barriers.

Virtual Learning Upgrades

Allocate funding for provider virtual learning platform upgrades optimizing flexibility alongside accountability with accessible mobile app options. Subsidize broadband access and devices.

Bilingual Instruction

Incentivize bilingual GED instructor recruitment and retention through credentialing pipelines and loan forgiveness at 2-year colleges. Expand translated curriculum access to minimize linguistic barriers to participation faced by immigrant and English language learning groups.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Launch multimedia public information campaigns improving visibility of adult education opportunities. Feature relatable role models that inspire prospective students to enroll while combating stereotypes and shame perpetuating vicious cycles of intergenerational poverty linked to lack of credentials.

Industry Partnerships

Cultivate local business community partnerships with preparatory programs facilitating apprenticeships, guaranteed interviews and talent pipeline development of GED completers.

The Time is Now: Investing in Untapped Potential of Iowa‘s Adult Learners

"The GED was my ticket onto the path toward becoming a nurse and providing for my kids as a single mom," shares GED alum and current LPN Linda R. "I felt unseen until finding an accessible program built around my life instead of the other way around."

Linda‘s journey illustrates immense possibilities waiting to be unlocked for so many Iowans held back only by systemic barriers denying equitable access to GED preparation.

With political will to implement the above policy reforms, Des Moines can lead the charge in expanding access for marginalized residents while harnessing economic returns of increased wages, productivity and spending power benefitting entire communities. The city must invest in localized solutions meeting adult learners where they stand – then clear the way for dreams poised to take flight.

Dr. Leslie recently served as Director of Iowa‘s Adult Literacy Resource Center through the University of Iowa Labor Center. She currently leads regional research initiatives focused on equitable workforce inclusion and adult credential access through the public-private partnership Greater Des Moines Partnership.