Educational Opportunities for Missouri Adults

One of the growing concerns not only facing the 27th Senatorial District, but the state and country as a whole, is the changing economy and the struggles our local businesses are having trying to fill open positions. We’ve likely all seen the results, ranging from slower service at restaurants to stores changing their hours due to a staffing shortage. 

There are roughly 500,000 adults across the state that do not have their high school diploma, leaving them unable to fill any of the open positions that require that level of education. Missouri currently has four operating adult high schools to help its students achieve this educational milestone. Senate Bill 199, which passed out of the General Assembly as part of House Bill 477 and was signed by the governor earlier this month, authorizes a fifth adult high school and makes changes to statute to make operation of these high schools more efficient. 

The four operating schools are located in Poplar Bluff, St. Louis, Springfield and Columbia, with satellite campuses in Florissant and Cape Girardeau. In the 2021-2022 school year, 722 adults received their diploma from one of these adult high schools. Students can attend school while working full time and can also receive dual college credits. Receiving in-person instruction and feedback works better for many students than virtual alternatives. 

Y’all know my story. At 15-years-old I had to quit school in order to take care of my mother and little sister. At 18, I started taking GED classes between shifts and in the evenings. It was a struggle for me with my dyslexia. Many students can excel in online courses. Many others, however, truly need someone in a classroom teaching them verbally. 

By adding a fifth school in Jackson County, or one of the surrounding counties, hundreds more adults in and around Kansas City can further their professional development and careers.

I have seen personally the wonderful results produced by these schools. A family friend and mother of three children was able to receive her diploma, all while working full-time, and set a new course for her future because of the school that opened in Poplar Bluff. I am thrilled that we can continue to provide more resources for people who, for whatever reason, missed out on the traditional high school graduation experience. Giving them a brighter outlook and boosted career potential is certainly a worthy use of time and resources. I look forward to hearing more and more success stories come from these fine educational facilities. 

Contact Me

I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write me at Holly Rehder, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Rm 433, Jefferson City, MO 65101, send an email to Holly.Rehder@senate.mo.gov or visit www.senate.mo.gov/Rehder.