A recent World Economic Forum survey revealed that about half of adults lack essential financial knowledge, including critical topics like borrowing, saving, understanding financial risks, and planning for retirement. Another survey of 1,000 Gen Z and Millennial adults found that 63% felt unprepared for common “adulting” tasks. Their biggest challenges? Finding a satisfying job, dealing with insurance, managing household responsibilities, doing taxes, and day-to-day tasks like changing a tire, ironing clothes, or sewing.

Most adult learners enroll in programs to earn a GED, learn English, or prepare for college. However, the above statistics highlight the need to include independent living or "adulting" skills in adult education. These skills can help students gain the confidence and competence to thrive both personally and professionally.

Steering wheel covered with post-its to-dos and statistics from insuranks.com survey of millenials and Gen Z and their preparation for adulthood — Survey of Millennial and Gen Z feelings about adulting

The Challenges of Navigating Adulthood

A Tale of Two Student Experiences

For many traditional high school or college students, transitioning into adulthood is a gradual process. These students often live with family or in on-campus housing, allowing them to focus on their education without the immediate pressures of full-time work or caring for dependents. With partial or full financial support from parents or guardians, they’re commonly relieved of daily expenses like housing or childcare. This support allows them to dedicate their time not just to their studies but also to extracurricular activities, leading to higher persistence and completion rates in postsecondary education.

Adult Learners Face Unique Hurdles

In contrast, a majority of adult learners tend to be financially independent, to work part-time or full-time, and to have dependents. They juggle multiple roles—employee, parent, caregiver—all while pursuing their education. Unsurprisingly, these challenges often result in lower persistence and completion rates compared to their traditional counterparts (Adult Learners in Higher Ed). Unlike traditional students, who may have the flexibility to focus solely on school, adult learners often benefit from targeted support in areas like time management, financial literacy, and independent living skills* to succeed both academically and personally.

Adult student wearing headphones and working on a laptop while holding a child in her lap with a description of challenges adult learners face — Adult learners often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities

*A quick note about terminology: In the K-12 world, these adult life skills are often referred to as “transition” or “postsecondary transition” skills. Sometimes, they’re called life skills or independent living skills. The challenge is that these needs aren’t limited to high school students or individuals with disabilities. As the statistics in the previous paragraphs show, many people struggle with the day-to-day skills required for adulthood. With that in mind, I will use these terms interchangeably, but the key point is that all adults can benefit from learning skills to navigate postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.

Why Teaching Adulting Skills Matters

Promoting Lifelong Success

Adult education isn’t just about helping students pass the GED or learn English; it’s about equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in all aspects of life. While many adult learners are focused in the short term on passing the GED or learning English, their broader aim is generally to secure a rewarding career, achieve financial stability, and gain independence.

Addressing Economic Inequality Through Adulting Skills

For many adult learners, the journey toward independence begins with overcoming economic barriers. Skills like financial literacy, time management, and effective decision-making can open doors to higher education and better job opportunities, ultimately leading to financial security.

In 2020, nearly one-quarter of adults aged 25 and older without a high school diploma were living in poverty—the highest poverty rate among all educational groups (NCHE). By integrating practical adulting activities into adult education programs, we can empower learners to break free from the cycle of poverty and create stable, self-sufficient futures.

Which Adulting Skills Should You Teach in Adult Education?

Tailoring Adult Life Skills to Your Students

In my experience as an adult educator, life skills can be taught in numerous ways: integrated into subject-area curricula, offered through stand-alone workshops, or delivered as themed course series (e.g., financial literacy, digital literacy, or life skills). The best approach is the one that works for you and your students. Whichever format you choose, here are some of the most in-demand adulting activities and life skills topics to consider:

Preparing for Post-Secondary Education

Exploring Education and Training Options: Understanding different pathways, including traditional degrees, certificate programs, trade schools, and apprenticeships.
Navigating the Application Process: Including how to apply for programs and showcase their educational and work experiences.
Securing Financial Aid and Scholarships: Learning how to apply for financial aid (FAFSA), scholarships, and grants to help manage tuition costs.
Digital Literacy for Postsecondary Success: Using tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and Learning Management Systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard) for coursework and communication.
Time Management and Study Skills: Developing strategies for balancing coursework with work and personal responsibilities, and identifying effective study habits.
Understanding College and Program Requirements: Navigating prerequisites, academic expectations, and how to meet graduation or certification requirements.
Career Exploration: Exploring strengths, interests, and potential career matches to information education and training decisions.
Self-Advocacy and Communication Skills: Learning how to communicate effectively with advisors, professors, and peers, and advocate for their needs in academic settings.
Budgeting and Financial Literacy for Students: Developing awareness of funding options for education and training and creating a plan to pay for schooling.
Building a Professional Network: Using tools like LinkedIn and networking within educational and professional communities.

Finding and Securing Employment

Job Search Strategies: Learning how to effectively search for jobs using online platforms, networking, and local resources.
Resume Writing and Interview Skills: Crafting a strong resume and cover letter, and preparing with mock interviews and reviewing common interview questions.
Identifying Transferable Skills: Recognizing and highlighting skills gained from past experiences, even in non-traditional settings, and matching them to job opportunities.
Career Exploration and Pathways: Researching industries, roles, and career advancement opportunities that align with personal strengths and interests.
Understanding Workplace Norms and Etiquette: Learning about workplace culture, professional behavior, punctuality, communication, and teamwork.
Hiring Paperwork and Onboarding: Understanding how to fill out hiring paperwork, including W-4 forms, direct deposit setup, and other employment documents.
Employee Benefits and Insurance: Knowing how to evaluate employer-sponsored benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)).
Navigating Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans: Understanding how retirement plans work, and how to take full advantage of employer contributions and personal investments.
Basic Employment Laws: Knowing their rights related to fair wages, overtime, discrimination, and workplace safety, as well as how to address workplace grievances.
Networking and Professional Development: Building a professional network, seeking mentors, and identifying opportunities for ongoing training and growth to stay competitive in the job market.

Learning Financial Literacy

Budgeting: Creating and maintaining a budget to track income, expenses, and savings, and making adjustments to manage finances effectively.
Banking & Saving: Developing strategies for building an emergency fund, setting savings goals, and automating savings to achieve financial stability.
Managing Credit: Understanding how credit works, including credit scores, credit reports, and managing credit cards responsibly.
Understanding Taxes: Learning how to file taxes and understanding different types of taxes (e.g., income, property).
Loans: Understanding different types of loans (e.g., personal, student, auto), their terms, interest rates, and the impact of borrowing on long-term financial health.
Financial Planning for the Future: Setting long-term financial goals, such as buying a home, funding education, and creating a plan to achieve them.
Retirement Planning: Learning about retirement savings options, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and other investment vehicles, and understanding how to plan for a financially secure retirement.
Investing Basics: Understanding the fundamentals of investing, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and the principles of risk and return.
Insurance: Knowing the importance of various types of insurance (e.g., health, auto, home) and how to choose appropriate coverage to protect assets and mitigate risks.
Debt Management: Developing strategies for managing and paying off debt, including understanding debt consolidation options and avoiding common pitfalls.

10 life skills to help adult learners develop financial literacy — 10 life skills to develop financial literacy

General Adulting

Housing: Understanding how to find and secure a home, including lease agreements, home maintenance, and managing utilities.
Transportation: Navigating transportation options, including driving (obtaining a license, vehicle maintenance), public transit, and alternative transportation methods like biking or ridesharing.
Healthcare: Learning how to access and manage healthcare services, including understanding health insurance, scheduling medical appointments, and maintaining personal health records.
Managing Paperwork: Organizing and managing important documents such as identification, legal documents, medical records, and financial paperwork.
Hobbies: Identifying and pursuing hobbies and interests to enhance personal well-being, reduce stress, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Cooking and Meal Planning: Developing basic cooking skills, meal planning, and grocery shopping to ensure healthy and cost-effective eating habits.
Home Maintenance: Performing basic home repairs, understanding routine maintenance tasks, and knowing when to call a professional.
Legal and Civic Responsibilities: Understanding basic rights and obligations, like voting, jury duty, and knowing how to access legal assistance if needed.
Social Skills and Relationships: Building and maintaining healthy relationships, effective communication, conflict resolution, and setting boundaries in personal and professional interactions.
Emergency Preparedness: Knowing how to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including creating a safety plan, basic first aid, and understanding emergency resources available in the community.

Strategies for Teaching Adulting Skills

Integrating Adulting Skills into the GED/High School Equivalency Curriculum

Integrating adulting skills into the high school equivalency curriculum helps prepare students not only for the GED exam but also for real-life challenges ahead. By incorporating practical skills like budgeting, job search strategies, and understanding housing options, students will be better equipped to navigate life after the GED. This approach ensures they're ready for both their educational and personal future.

Math Sample Activities

Budgeting and Financial Planning: Provide students with a budget template and sample income. Have them calculate expenses for housing, utilities, groceries, and savings, and analyze how different spending decisions impact their budget.
Loan Calculations: Present students with loan terms and interest rates, and have them calculate monthly payments and total cost over the life of the loan using online calculators.
Housing and Measurement: Have students use area calculations to determine the size of a room and estimate the cost of flooring or paint needed.

Three sample activity ideas to integrate life skills into GED math classes — 3 activity ideas to integrate life skills into GED math classes

Science Sample Activities

Health and Nutrition: Use food labels to calculate calories and compare the nutritional content of various food options. Discuss how these choices affect overall health and wellness.
Environmental Science and Sustainability: Create a project where students analyze energy usage in a household and propose changes to reduce consumption and save money. *Bonus: Students can contact their utility company and request an audit of their energy usage and ideas for reducing costs!
Basic First Aid: Demonstrate and practice basic first aid techniques, and discuss the scientific principles behind them, such as how the body heals from wounds. You can partner with your local first responders, or with the American Heart Association or American Red Cross to host CPR, first aid, or Basic Life Support training!

3 activities to integrate life skills instruction in GED science classes — 3 activity ideas to integrate life skills into GED science classes

Social Studies Sample Activities

Civic Responsibilities and Rights: Have students research and present on local government services and their impact on everyday life.
Workplace Norms and Etiquette: Role-play various workplace scenarios to practice appropriate responses and professional etiquette.
Housing and Property Rights: Analyze case studies of housing disputes or property rights issues and discuss possible resolutions based on current laws.

3 activity ideas to integrate life skills into GED Social Studies classes — 3 activity ideas to integrate life skills into GED science classes

Reasoning Through Language Arts Sample Activities

Resumes: Have students create a resume and cover letter based on a local job posting, then review and provide feedback.
Reading and Interpreting Legal Documents: Provide sample documents like a lease or employment agreement and guide students through identifying key terms, obligations, and rights outlined in these documents.
Interview Skills: Conduct mock interviews and provide feedback on communication style, clarity, and effectiveness.

3 activities to integrate life skills into GED Reasoning Through Language Arts classes — 3 activity ideas to integrate life skills into GED RLA classes

The Unique Needs of English Learners

Many adult learners possess "adulting" skills in their native language but may not have developed the corresponding English terminology. For instance, concepts like “renters’ insurance” or “direct deposit” might not have direct translations or may be unfamiliar. For some students, needing to have insurance for rented properties or the idea of electronically depositing a paycheck might be new. Similarly, understanding how to interpret a credit score or the purpose of a co-signer on loans may require additional explanation.

Understanding the cultural context is crucial when teaching these skills in a new country. For example, cultural differences in housing preferences can be significant: some cultures may emphasize the ideal of living independently in single-family homes, while others might prefer multi-generational housing arrangements. Similarly, attitudes towards consumerism may vary; some cultures may stress the importance of owning material possessions, while others may value minimalist living.

You can bridge the gap between your students’ prior knowledge and their new environment by using culturally relevant examples and scenarios. For instance, when discussing financial management, you can compare practices like budgeting and saving across different cultures. You might also explore variations in healthcare systems, such as universal health care versus private insurance models, to help learners understand how to navigate their new healthcare environment. By incorporating these culturally relevant examples, you make learning more relatable and effective, helping English Learners adapt to their new surroundings while leveraging their existing knowledge and experiences.

Integrating "Adulting" Skills into the ESL Curriculum

Integrating life skills into the ESL curriculum develops not only language proficiency but also supports students with real-world challenges. By incorporating practical skills like managing personal finances, understanding healthcare systems, and navigating job markets, students will be better equipped to handle everyday situations and build a successful life in their new environment. Some ideas include:

Budgeting Basics: Students learn to create a personal budget by understanding key terms like income, expenses, and savings. Using budget templates and sample income and expense lists, students categorize their finances and discuss how to adjust their budgets to meet specific goals. Visual aids include sample budgets and charts.

Job Search Skills: Students practice using different job search platforms, reading real-world job listings, and learning how to spot potential scams. The activity is language-rich as they practice dissecting job postings to identify key information and brainstorm different search terms.

Housing and Renting: Students familiarize themselves with lease agreements by reading and highlighting key terms such as rent, deposit, and maintenance. They review sample leases and discuss the terms. Annotated lease agreements are used to illustrate key concepts.

Healthcare Navigation: Students explore health insurance terms like premium, deductible, and co-pay by reviewing sample insurance policies. They match terms with definitions and discuss how to choose a health insurance plan based on different needs. Sample policies and diagrams are provided.

Time Management: Students practice creating weekly schedules by learning vocabulary related to time management, such as appointments and deadlines. They use planner templates to organize their tasks and discuss their schedules in groups. Color-coded example schedules help illustrate effective planning.

Grocery Shopping: Students plan a grocery list within a set budget by using online store listings. They learn vocabulary related to food and shopping, create budget-friendly lists, and discuss their choices.

Emergency Preparedness: Students develop a personalized emergency plan by understanding terms like evacuation and first aid. They use templates to outline safety procedures and emergency contacts, then share and discuss their plans in groups. Templates and checklists help guide the activity.

Financial Literacy: Students learn the common types of bank accounts and the basics of selecting, opening, accessing, and safeguarding an account.

Activity ideas for integrating "adulting" life skills into adult education ESL classes — Activity ideas for integrating “adulting” skills into ESL classes

Collaboration with Community Resources

Partnering with local organizations can significantly enhance the support you provide to your students. By collaborating with community resources, you can connect students with a variety of valuable workshops and support systems outside the classroom. For instance, your local Job Center may offer specialized training in employment skills, equipping students with practical knowledge and experience needed for the workforce. The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation is another crucial resource, offering assistance with workplace or educational accommodations, coaching, and support tailored to individual needs.

Additionally, local financial institutions often conduct financial literacy workshops, helping students gain essential skills in budgeting, saving, and managing credit. Community businesses can play a pivotal role by providing opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, or job shadowing, giving students hands-on experience and networking opportunities in their fields of interest.

Creating alumni networks or mentoring programs can also be highly beneficial. Former students can share their experiences and offer guidance, providing current learners with valuable insights and encouragement as they navigate their own paths. Remember, your own community is an invaluable resource, offering a wealth of opportunities to support your students' growth and success. Leveraging these local connections not only enriches the learning experience but also fosters a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom.

Conclusion

Integrating life skills into adult education programs is not just an enhancement to the curriculum but a necessity for preparing students for real-world challenges. The ability to manage finances, navigate the job market, and handle everyday responsibilities are critical for achieving personal and professional success. By addressing these essential "adulting" skills, educators can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, fostering greater independence and confidence in adult learners. As we continue to support and empower our students, remember that equipping them with these practical tools is key to helping them build a more stable and fulfilling future.

Teaching Life Skills in Adult Education Programs