KnowledgeWorks Foundation - Policy Barriers in Adult Learning Initiatives Especially the Ohio Bridges to Opportunity Initiative

Policy Barriers to Higher Education for Low-wage Workers

Lack of state funding for short-term training
Unlike some other states, Ohio does not provide funding for short-term, non-credit training programs. These programs can enable low-income adults to move out of the lowest paying jobs and prepare them for further education and training.
Lack of financial aid for part-time enrollment
Unlike Illinois and other states, Ohio provides little state financial aid for low-income, working adults who can only attend school part-time.
Inability to transfer credits
Ohio needs to do more to facilitate the transfer of associate degree credits toward four-year degree programs. Both two-year and four-year institutions must be committed to make this transition happen.
Competition among education providers
Missions and boundaries of the various workforce and higher education institutions are not well defined, often creating duplication and unhealthy competition among them.
Little cooperation among agencies
Ohio has not done enough to promote cooperation among agencies that serve low-income adults. The result is that many who want to pursue education cannot because they lack access to childcare, transportation, and other basic support.