The Arkansas Senate Education Committee convened on April 5, 2023, to discuss the proposed Arkansas Adult Diploma Program, aimed at addressing a significant educational crisis in the state. The meeting highlighted the alarming statistic that approximately 300,000 adults in Arkansas lack any educational credentials, including a high school diploma, which equates to about one in ten adults. This lack of education is contributing to workforce shortages and increased government dependency.

The program is designed for adults aged 21 and older, providing them with the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma while also developing employability and technical skills. The proposed framework is flexible, allowing for campus-based, online, or blended learning models, which is particularly beneficial for rural areas where access to educational providers may be limited.

Key features of the program include an open provider space, where various entities—public, nonprofit, and for-profit—can qualify to offer the program, provided they meet specific criteria. The program is also outcomes-based, meaning that funding is tied to the successful conferral of educational credentials, ensuring accountability to taxpayers. Providers must maintain a minimum graduation rate and adhere to cost limits, with strict penalties for those who fail to meet performance standards.

The committee discussed the potential costs of the program, estimating that it could be funded with between $500,000 and $1 million annually, which could yield approximately 200 graduates each year. Importantly, proponents emphasized that this initiative would not detract from existing adult education funding but rather complement it, creating additional pathways for adult learners.

Concerns were raised regarding the program's overlap with traditional adult education. However, supporters clarified that while both aim to address similar issues, the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program employs a distinct approach, particularly with its performance-based funding model and broader provider eligibility.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore funding options through the Office of Skills Development, which has expressed willingness to support the initiative as a pilot program. The committee remains focused on ensuring that the program can effectively address the educational needs of Arkansas's adult population and contribute to a more skilled workforce.