Adult education in Louisiana works because adults decide to come back. Some left school at sixteen, some at forty. Some are parents wanting their children to see them finish. Some have tried before. These are their stories, in their own words.

Meet Louisiana’s Adult Learners

Adult learners from programs across Louisiana, featured during Adult Education and Family Literacy Month 2026.

Meet Jacque, an adult learner at Fletcher Technical Community College. He says: "When I was 16 and dropped out of school, my life was unmanageable. I worked offshore most of my life and tried to pass the GED… seven times! I'm going to get my high school equivalency while taking Heating, Ventilation, and Electrical classes. Nothing I did all my life, I ever completed. This I will complete."
Meet Mariah, an adult learner with the Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana, photographed in cap and gown holding her diploma and flowers with her children. She says: "I dropped out of high school my junior year and got pregnant with my first son. My destiny may have been delayed, but it was never denied. Earning my high school equivalency is more than just passing a test — it's a symbol of resilience, growth, and never giving up on myself. This accomplishment reminds me that it's never too late to rewrite your story."
Meet Torquill, an adult learner at Louisiana Delta Community College. He says: "Before I started Adult Education, I didn't feel confident in myself. I doubted what I could do. But learning again — just taking that first step started to change that. Every class, every assignment, every challenge I faced made me stronger. Now I feel confident and know I'm capable. I'm proud of how far I've come."
Meet Brooke, an adult learner at Nunez Community College. She says: "I'm here to complete my high school equivalency and go after my dream goals. I want to make my kids proud of me and show them how important it is to get their education and find a better career. My kids are my life. No matter how hard it may be, you can do it! Only you can make the change."

Is there a learner in your program whose story should be here? Contact LAPCAE at director@lapcae.org.

Student Spotlight

LAPCAE’s Student Spotlight recognizes adult learners who have overcome significant barriers, supported other learners, and managed adult responsibilities while pursuing their education. Nominations are open year-round to any adult education program in Louisiana.

Ciara Becnel

Ciara BecnelCiara, a loving mom of two, had her first child at 16. She had to drop out of high school because she lacked family support. After 10 years of dedicating herself solely to her children, Ciara returned to finish what she started with RPCC’s Adult Education Program. Ciara faced many challenges on the road to completing the HiSET, and she overcame them all. She started school to rediscover who she is and is still working to make her children proud.

Ciara is currently a freshman at RPCC, working on her Associate of Business Administration degree.

Angel Ganes

Angel GanesAngel, 43, is no stranger to sacrifice. As a wife and mother of 4, she spent most of her life caring for others, including her ailing father when he was battling cancer. She selflessly put her own dreams on hold to care for those who needed her most. While she was working towards her HiSET and caring for her family, her father succumbed to cancer. She promised her father before he passed that she would finish school, and she resumed her classes at the Youth Empowerment Project with a renewed ambition. After starting and pausing her academic journey several times since 2017, Angel earned her equivalency diploma in 2021 and is now studying phlebotomy at Delgado Community College. Angel is living proof that the race is not given to the swift nor the strong, but to the one who endures!

See all LAPCAE awards

Scholarships & Grants

LAPCAE puts money directly into Louisiana classrooms and into the learners and educators in them. Classroom Learning Grants fund materials, projects, or technology for adult education programs.  Continuing Education Scholarships support adult educators pursuing their own coursework or credentials.

Both are open to LAPCAE members. Applications close September 8, 2026.

See all LAPCAE awards