Free classes · No prerequisites · Open to all Louisiana adults
Adult Education WORKS for Louisiana
It is never too late to finish what you started. LCTC Adult Education helps adults earn their high school diploma, learn new job skills, and start a career — all for free.
7,407
High school diplomas
earned (3 years)
earned (3 years)
Confirmed credentials
5,416
Job credentials
earned (3 years)
earned (3 years)
Industry-recognized
FREE
Cost to
students
students
Classes, books, test prep
Faces of Louisiana Adult Education
Real people. Real programs. Real results.
These are adult learners served through LCTC's Adult Education network. Their stories are why Adult Education WORKS for Louisiana.
Emma B.
Bossier Parish Community College
"My life wasn't complete without a diploma. My goal is to start college and graduate with a bachelor's in Business Administration. NEVER GIVE UP. It'll be hard but it's so worth it."
Jacque D.
Fletcher Technical Community College
"When I was 16 and dropped out, my life was unmanageable. I tried to get my GED 7 times and failed all 7. I went to Fletcher to get my GED and take HVAC and Electrical classes. Nothing I did all my life, I ever completed, and THIS I WILL COMPLETE."
Trinika K.
River Parishes Community College
"I am here because of my passion for returning to school. Once I am done with my Nursing Program, I look forward to working in a hospital. Taking care of my mother set the tone for me to FOLLOW MY HEART."
Who we serve
More than half of adult learners served through LCTC's Adult Education network enter at a 2nd-to-5th grade reading level
That is not because they are not smart — it is because life got in the way. Here is what that means in everyday life:
Entering Reading Level (FY 2025-26)
20,504 adult learners served through LCTC's Adult Education network. Based on standardized assessment at intake. ESL = English as a Second Language.
Why This Matters: What Life Looks Like at Each Level
Grade 0-1
Cannot read a medicine bottle label, a stop sign, or their child's report card. Cannot write their own name on a form.
Grade 2-3
Can read simple sentences but struggles to fill out a job application, understand a lease, or follow written instructions at work.
Grade 4-5
Can read basic documents but has difficulty with math needed to manage a household budget, calculate a tip, or compare prices.
Grade 6-8
Approaching workplace readiness. Can handle most reading tasks but may struggle with technical manuals, workplace safety documents, or college applications.
Grade 9-12
Near high-school level. Preparing for HSE testing or direct college enrollment. Ready for career training.
ESL
Learning English as a new language. May be highly educated in their home country but need English literacy and workplace communication skills.
Five ways to earn your diploma
Louisiana offers 5 pathways to a high school equivalency diploma
HiSET and GED testing are available for ages 19 and up, or 16–18 year olds no longer enrolled in high school and with an approved age waiver. All other Louisiana high school equivalency pathways are available to non-high school students, ages 18 and up. All are free through our programs.
Pathway 1
HiSET or GED Testing
Pass the standardized exam — the traditional route. We provide free test prep.
Diplomas earned by pathway
FY 23-243,375 (97.5%)
FY 24-253,445 (89.2%)
FY 25-263,054 (85.1%)
Pathway 2 (18+)
Career+ HSE
Earn your diploma while training for a career — 12 college credits + industry credential.
Diplomas earned
FY 23-2413
FY 24-2530
FY 25-2617
Pathway 3 (18+)
Accuplacer / ACT
Score at college-ready levels — proving you're already at high school level or above.
Diplomas earned
FY 23-2468
FY 24-25369
FY 25-26506 ↑
Pathway 4 (18+)
College Prep Courses
Complete corequisite college courses alongside credit coursework.
Diplomas earned
FY 23-24 / 24-25 / 25-263 / 14 / 4
Pathway 5 (18+)
Combined Pathway
Combination of placement test scores and college coursework.
Diplomas earned
FY 23-24 / 24-25 / 25-262 / 3 / 6
Louisiana's alternate HSE pathways (non-HiSET or GED routes) grew from 86 to 533 diploma earners in three years. Learn more about all 5 pathways →
Does it work?
Adult Education WORKS
2 out of 3
high school equivalency diplomas earned in Louisiana come from adult learners served through LCTC's Adult Education network
The Problem We're Solving
Across Louisiana, the statewide pass rate for HSE testing is declining — from 72.3% to 58.0% over three years. More people are attempting the HiSET or GED on their own, and most are not passing. The number of HiSET and GED test takers who didn't pass all sections attempted within the same year has nearly doubled (+96%), and they may not know that testing isn't the only way to earn an HSE in Louisiana!
Meanwhile, adult learners served through LCTC's Adult Education network are succeeding at increasing rates — 9.0% to 11.9%, and now earn 68.3% of all diplomas statewide, up from 65.9%. The difference is instruction, support, and a teacher who cares.
It is hard to prepare on your own with no instruction and no one to keep you motivated. That is why Adult Education exists — and why investment in outreach has never been more important. Find your local program →
From classroom to career
Industry credentials: Real skills for real Louisiana jobs
In FY 2025-26, 1,564 adult learners served through LCTC's Adult Education network earned 1,995 industry-recognized credentials — certifications that Louisiana employers hire for. Here are some of the most common:
Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR & First Aid
Healthcare: hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, emergency services
NCCER Core Curriculum
Construction: welding, electrical, pipefitting, instrumentation — entry to Registered Apprenticeship
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Healthcare: direct patient care in hospitals and long-term care — pathway to LPN and RN
Forklift Operator Certification
Manufacturing & logistics: warehouses, distribution centers, industrial plants
Conover Workplace Readiness
All industries: professional communication, teamwork, problem-solving — the skills employers say are hardest to find
OSHA 10 Safety Certification
Construction & manufacturing: required safety credential for job sites across Louisiana
ServSafe Food Handler
Food service & hospitality: restaurants, catering, institutional food service
NCCER Welding / Electrical Level 1
Skilled trades: journeyman pathway, $20-35/hr starting wages in Louisiana
Each credential is a step on a career pathway. Entry-level credentials lead to higher-rated, higher-paying certifications. Louisiana's LA Works system rates credentials 1-5 stars by employer demand and wage outcomes. Learn more about Adult Career Pathways →
How you can help
Adult Education needs partners
I'm an Employer
Louisiana's Work-Based Learning Tax Credit: $2.50/hr per apprentice, up to $2,500/year.
Learn About ApprenticeshipI Work at a College
Award credit for credentials. Partner on career pathways. The students are ready.
Connect With UsCommunity Leader
Help us reach 6,882 adults who attempted their test but haven't passed. Many don't know free help exists.
Share the 5 PathwaysLegislator
2 of 3 diplomas come from LCTC Adult Education. The most cost-effective workforce strategy available.
See the Data
Ready to start?
It is never too late
Classes are free. No prerequisites. Just show up ready to learn.