Adult Learners in Louisiana Find Purpose, Progress and New Pathways | Sponsored: LCTCS

This isn’t just about second chances. It’s about rewriting futures.

Across Louisiana, adult learners are stepping into classrooms not with shame or regret—but with purpose, power, and promise. Many are parents determined to build better lives for their children, workers breaking free from low-wage incomes, and individuals reclaiming dreams once set aside.

Behind each of these stories is the continued movement led by the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) and its partners. It’s a movement fueled by belief in human potential—one that meets learners where they are and helps them rise.

Kristen Hardnett’s journey is one of many. At 50, she didn’t just earn her high school diploma— through Empower 225, she unlocked a new life. Her story, like thousands more, is proof that when adult education is done right, it doesn’t just change résumés. It changes entire trajectories.

“I was a customer service representative at an insurance agency, which wasn’t a bad job, but I was stuck making $12 an hour,” Hardnett said. “I knew I could do better. And more than that, I wanted to be a better role model for my son. I couldn’t ask him to finish school if I hadn’t done the same. Earning my high school equivalency was the right thing to do. I have no regrets.”

Today, Hardnett is an ambassador for Empower 225 and a vocal advocate for adult education. She speaks at conferences, encourages peers, and is preparing to enroll at Baton Rouge Community College to pursue her dream of becoming a licensed mental health counselor. Along the way, she’s applying for jobs that support children with autism—like her son.

“Two years ago, I wouldn’t be talking about these things,” she said. “But I know there are people out there who’ve fallen by the wayside. If I can help someone else believe in themselves, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

Kristen’s story is one voice in a growing chorus of adult learners who are breaking barriers, discovering their value, and reclaiming their stories—each for their own reason. Some are young adults who left high school too soon. Others are single parents seeking stability or older adults chasing confidence, literacy, or simply the pride of achievement.

“We always start with a conversation about why they are here,” said Erin Landry, Executive Director of Adult Education for LCTCS. “Not everyone has the same goal, and our programs are built to reflect that. Whether someone wants a better job, to help their kids with homework, or to finally read fluently—we’re here to help them get there.”

Adult education services are offered at no cost across all LCTCS institutions and dozens of partner sites statewide—including schools, churches, and community centers.

At River Parishes Community College (RPCC), adult education is more than a program—it’s a community. Chancellor Quintin Taylor says that’s intentional.

From student ID badges to access to campus resources, adult learners are fully integrated into the college environment. But the real game-changer? The opportunity to pursue workforce training at the same time they work toward their high school equivalency.

“Our integrated education and training model allows students to stack credentials and earn industry-based certifications while earning their diploma,” Taylor said. “It motivates them and shows them what’s possible—not just a job, but a career they can be proud of.”

RPCC also provides robust advising, tutoring, and academic support, recognizing that confidence and connection are as important as curriculum.

“People don’t drop out of high school because they aren’t smart,” Taylor said. “Life gets in the way. We’re here to show them that their story doesn’t end there. We’re here to help them write the next chapter.”

April Porterfield has witnessed transformation firsthand. As Executive Director of Volunteer Instructors Teaching Adults (VITA), a Lafayette-based nonprofit and LCTCS partner, she believes that adult education is about more than academics—it’s about rebuilding self-worth.

“Earning a diploma isn’t just a credential,” she said. “It’s proof that they can finish what they started. That they matter. That they’re capable.”

VITA’s one-on-one tutoring model pairs students with volunteers who often share similar backgrounds or career goals. These relationships offer more than instruction; they provide mentorship, accountability, and hope.

“Matching students with mentors from similar fields shows them that their goals are possible,” Porterfield said. “It makes success feel real and reachable.”

Across Louisiana, adult learners are reclaiming their futures—one classroom, one credential, one breakthrough at a time. Whether they’re seeking better jobs, supporting their families, or fulfilling long-held dreams, these students are proving that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and lead.

As Adult Education Advocacy Month shines a spotlight on their progress, the message is clear: with the right support, every learner has the power to change their story—and in doing so, change their community. To learn more about adult education opportunities near you, visit www.lctcs.edu/workready-u.