Accelerating Change: A Guide to the Adult Learning Ed-Tech Market

Many previous reports demonstrate that there is a significant need to drive innovation in adult learning and that there can be advantages to entering the market. There are 36 million low-skilled adults in the U.S. who can benefit from new approaches to learning. The effects of low rates of literacy, numeracy, and basic skills are widespread. Underprepared adults often earn lower wages, face poorer health conditions, and are less likely to advance in their jobs. While the general public is aware of the high dropout rates in this country, they are generally unaware of the magnitude of the low skills problem and unfamiliar with the details of how this population might access learning opportunities to gain advancement. Entrepreneurs and investors are equally unfamiliar with the needs of this population and the systems that serve these learners and will naturally invest in opportunities with which they have experience, such as K-12 and higher education. Many entrepreneurs and investors are also hesitant to enter the space because there has been a lack of activity and few successful use cases. This becomes a self-perpetuating problem: without new investment, the lack of evidence remains. These reasons combine to make the thought of entering the adult education market daunting when, in fact, the opportunity is prime. As a follow-up to "Accelerating Change: How Education Technology Developers Can Jump-Start a New Adult Education Market," this guide demystifies the adult learning landscape and addresses concerns of entrepreneurs and investors head-on. Part of the research included interviews with 14 entrepreneurs, investors, and providers who shared their insights into the struggles and successes they have encountered in this market. Their advice is provided to encourage more investment in innovation to improve the learning opportunities for millions of adults. [This report was prepared in partnership with Entangled Solutions. For "Accelerating Change: How Education Technology Developers Can Jump-Start a New Adult Education Market," see ED609443.]