FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paige Gehlhausen, Press Secretary
Paige.Gehlhausen@iga.in.gov
317-232-9425
Zay recognized as an Adult Education Champion
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 15, 2024) – State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington) was recognized as an Adult Education Champion during his keynote speech at the third annual Indiana Adult Education Day at the Statehouse Tuesday, Feb. 13.
The event, hosted annually by the Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education (IAACE), honors the accomplishments of those whose work positively impacts our state's adult education system.
"It is critical to emphasize the importance of adult education programs as they offer transformative opportunities for individuals and communities," Zay said. "As of 2023, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development found 424,804 Indiana adults lack a high school diploma or its equivalent, which can create a significant barrier to economic success. Although these challenges are still prevalent, our state has made tremendous efforts to address this gap and successfully emerged as a national leader in adult education, with programs operating across all 92 counties. This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and effectiveness of our adult education system."
After the speech, IAACE awarded Zay a certificate recognizing him as an Adult Education Champion to honor his work and continued support of this education system.
"I am grateful to receive this award and to IAACE for their support in my efforts to improve Indiana's adult education system," Zay said. "Our state has achieved great success, but there is still work to be done. That's why, last year during the budget session, I advocated for the need to increase Indiana's investment in adult education funding. I'm glad to see that funds were increased by $12 million changing the total amount of funding from $100,487,977 to $112,487,977. Adult education is the embodiment of empowerment and economic opportunity, and I will continue advocating to ensure all Hoosiers have access to resources that can create a bright and prosperous future."
To learn more about IAACE and Adult Education Day, click here.
-30-
Photos of Sen. Zay at the event are below.
STATE SEN. ANDY ZAY (R-HUNTINGTON) DELIVERS A KEYNOTE SPEECH FOR INDIANA ADULT EDUCATION DAY AT THE STATEHOUSE TUESDAY, FEB. 13.
STATE SEN. ANDY ZAY RECEIVES A CERTIFICATE RECOGNIZING HIM AS AN INDIANA ADULT EDUCATION CHAMPION.
