According to the American Community Survey in 2016, 82,413 individuals in Northwest Indiana 18 years of age and older do not have a high school diploma. Northwest Indiana region adult education programs have stepped up to the challenge to help more individuals attain their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma by offering free HSE preparation classes. Over the last year, area adult education programs have had over 60% achieve HSE and/or significant increases in academic performance. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development’s Assistant Director of Adult Education Policy and Programs, Jerry Haffner, Adult Education Coordinator and Professional Development Lead, Dan DeVers, and Adult Education Coordinator for Region 1 & 2, Jose Torres, made a visit to the Northwest Indiana region on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 to recognize region adult education programs for their high performance over the last year. Adult education programs receiving recognition were Michigan City Area Schools, Neighbors’ Educational Opportunities (NEO), School City of Hammond, and Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI). In addition to free HSE preparation, area adult education programs offer free Adult Basic Education (ABE), integrated education, and English Language Learning. For further information, contact Kitty Meyer at 219-462-2940, ext. 44 or kmeyer@cwicorp.com.