Adult education opportunities help residents bridge skills gaps and reach career goals.
By Teree Caruthers on December 5, 2025
San Joaquin County
In San Joaquin County, adult education is a cornerstone of the region’s workforce development strategy – promoting social mobility, enabling individuals to pursue higher-paying opportunities and contributing to closing skills gaps in high-demand fields. This commitment ensures a more competitive local labor force while transforming lives. The San Joaquin Adult Education Consortium (SJAEC), in partnership with educational institutions such as San Joaquin Delta College and Adult Schools, equips individuals with the skills and knowledge essential to success in the job market.
Training to Thrive: Aligning Education with Industry Needs
San Joaquin County’s diverse economy depends on industries such as health care, logistics, agriculture, advanced manufacturing and education.
The consortium aligns adult education and training with these in-demand sectors by working closely with employers, workforce boards and San Joaquin Delta College, says Heather Maloy, dean of adult education at San Joaquin Delta College and co-director of San Joaquin Adult Education Consortium.
“This ensures that learners not only gain essential skills but also enter fields where career opportunities are abundant,” she says. “By strengthening the local talent pipeline, the consortium helps address employer shortages while improving economic opportunity for residents.”
©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins
SJAEC offers a wide range of programs designed to meet adult learners where they are, including GED/HiSET preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and citizenship preparation, career and technical education (CTE) training, and transition services, such as college and career counseling, application assistance and financial aid guidance.
The organization also partners with local businesses and community resources to provide various apprenticeships, internships and on-the-job training opportunities, as well as support, such as digital literacy and parent education.
The Secret to Success: Coordinated Resources and Adaptability
“We focus on helping learners complete foundational education, such as a high school diploma or high school equivalency and then connect them directly to college, career training or the workforce,” Maloy says. “By coordinating resources across institutions, the consortium makes it easier for adult learners to transition into higher education, CTE or employment opportunities that match their personal and professional goals.”
At the center of the organization’s success is adaptability. Maloy says as the needs of the community and workforce evolve – whether due to economic shifts, new technologies or demographic changes – so do SJAEC’s programs. This commitment ensures the organization stays impactful.
©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins
“For instance, we expanded digital literacy programs in response to the pandemic and increased focus on health care pathways when local demand surged for trained professionals,” Maloy says.
She points to a working parent who obtained her GED and then a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) license as an example.
“With the support of WorkNet and supportive services, she enrolled in the Delta College CNA program. She completed the CNA program and is now exploring other health care pathways. Her journey not only improved her family’s financial stability but also inspired her children to pursue higher education,” Maloy says.
©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins
Breaking Down Barriers
Every graduation is a success story at Lodi Adult School in Lodi. The school, which is part of the Lodi Unified School District and a member of the SJAEC, offers GED courses, ESL classes and career training in areas such as cybersecurity, graphic design, fire science, dental assisting and computer repair. Many of the school’s students are Hispanic and Middle Eastern, and their ages range from 18 to 70.
Tim Hurles, principal of Lodi Adult School, says these students often face societal hurdles to accessing traditional education and training, which makes the school’s services even more critical.
“Most students coming to adult education have had experiences that left them disheartened. They’re taking another shot at it, and we recognize that’s a big commitment with family obligations and constraints,” Hurles says. “We emphasize student satisfaction and connect students with resources through partnerships with WorkNet, El Concilio and San Joaquin Delta College because adult students need these services.”
Courtesy of Manteca Education & Training center
This commitment to student success extends beyond simply providing a supportive learning environment, directly impacting their ability to enter or re-enter the workforce.
“The role that adult education plays in the workforce is significant. It’s aligned with helping students develop the understanding and knowledge and build pipelines so folks can go through the courses they need to secure an appropriate level of competency to get a job or be a strong candidate. We want to give them the best possible platform and launchpad to secure employment and go after whatever their career aspirations may be,” Hurles says.
San Joaquin County
SJAEC By the Numbers
30+ languages spoken by students
69% of students identify as Hispanic
7,000+ students served in 2024-2025
2,500+ adult School students have transitioned to San Joaquin Delta College since 2015
