CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Office of Adult Education (WVAdultEd) is pleased to celebrate National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week (September 19 – 23, 2022) with the launch of the latest promotional video featuring America’s Got Talent (AGT) season six winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. The week is designed to recognize the importance of learning with an emphasis on building literacy and writing skills among the adult population.
It was always a goal of mine to get my high school equivalency, and I want other people who find themselves in a similar situation to complete their high school education. I am glad to be a part of the campaign because we are engaging with people and changing lives.
Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr
Murphy, a native of Logan County, continues his enthusiastic endorsement of the state’s Adult Ed program as he tours the country and the state performing in front of capacity crowds. During the pandemic, he took advantage of the break in his touring schedule to pursue a life-long dream of earning his high school equivalency by utilizing the free resources available through the WVDE Adult Education program. Today, he spends much of his time promoting the importance of education by removing the stigma of adult learners and advocating that everyone completes their high school education.
Through a series of promotional assets and in partnership with the West Virginia Adult Education Association, Murphy has been featured on billboards around the state, at West Virginia University and Marshall University sporting events, and through a host of other promotions. The most recent social media campaign combines his musical talent with his passion for education.
“The Adult Education program fosters growth and dignity for adult learners,” said State Superintendent of Schools David L. Roach. “These students realize that education is a pathway toward fulfillment and is the best way for them to pursue their goals.”
WVAdultEd offers numerous resources to build and improve skills for success and provide adults with opportunities to enhance their quality of life as workers, family members and citizens.
“It was always a goal of mine to get my high school equivalency, and I want other people who find themselves in a similar situation to complete their high school education,” Murphy said. “I am glad to be a part of the campaign because we are engaging with people and changing lives.”
National studies have shown that acquiring a high school equivalency provides adults opportunities to become much more engaged and contributing individuals in today’s workforce. Those without a high school credential are twice as likely to be unemployed, three times as likely to be in poverty, four times as likely to be in poor health and eight times as likely to be incarcerated. More than half (53%) of U.S. adults 25 and over who did not graduate high school are not participating in the workforce. A high school equivalency also increases an adult’s income by an average of $9,600 allowing them to improve their livelihoods and realize their goals.
To learn more about the West Virginia Adult Education program, please visit WVAdultEd.com or call the hotline at 1-800-642-2670.
For media inquiries, contact Christy Day, West Virginia Department of Education Office of Communications, at 304-558-2699 or Christy.Day@k12.wv.us.
