The basic premise of the Adult Education and GED program through the Florida Department of Education is to teach adults the basic skills of literacy, allow them to obtain a high school education and become more productive citizens. Adults are given an assessment to indicate if they lack basic skills that would make them employable in the job market. If the adult qualifies, there are many different programs to choose from including GED, vocational training, ESOL and citizenship programs. This is a state-funded program and free to qualifying individuals.
The Adult and Community Enrichment Center in Sarasota, Florida, is an example of a community-based learning center for adults. This center offers non-college credit courses for personal enrichment. Adults can choose from a variety of topic such as literature, nutrition, history and culinary arts. Classes range from one day to monthlong. Prices of the various courses correspond to length, however, as of early 2011, most classes cost under $100. The Adult and Community Enrichment Center was established in 1985 and holds classes at local locations such as the YMCA.
Tallahassee Community College Center for Workforce Development offers adult the opportunity to continue their education in a college setting. The institution offers different programs such as basic adult education, GED, ESOL and Family Literacy. Adult Education opportunities are meant to help educate adults in order for them to pursue employment or continuing education. Students must apply to the college, however, these programs are free of charge to adult learners. Participants that are 16 or 17 years of age need parental permission to be enrolled in the program
Pinellas County Schools offers Adult Basic Education as well as a GED program free of charge to qualifying residents. Both courses offer day and evening session throughout the county at various educational locations. The GED program prepares student to pass the examination and earn their high school equivalency diploma. The Adult Basic Education program is designed to improve basic literacy skills in reading and writing. The district also offers courses that prepare adults for careers in vocational area such as child care and cosmetology. These courses are not free of charge.