District 79 Adult Education has helped shape the futures of Bronx residents for more than 40 years, but many people are unaware that the program exists right in their own community.

District 79 serves more than 50,000 students each year, from young parents to seniors in their 90s, across the five boroughs and beyond. With more than 365 sites citywide, the program offers flexible education pathways for adults 21 and older, as well as youth who need non traditional options, like credit recovery, evening classes and career-focused support.

Many Bronx residents face barriers to completing high school or earning credentials. These include work schedules, family responsibilities, immigration challenges and misinformation about available resources. District 79 works to remove those barriers by meeting learners where they are.

Students have access to more than 900 tuition-free classes, including GED preparation, adult basic education, career and technical education and English as a second language. Each student is also paired with a case manager who helps guide them through enrollment, coursework and career planning.

Since 2022, District 79 has awarded more than 6,300 career certifications and over 16,000 diplomas. The program is now preparing to expand into a new South Bronx location, adding classroom and computer space to reach even more students. Details on the site and timeline are still being finalized.

As the Bronx continues to grow and change, District 79 leaders say access to education remains critical. They say the goal is not only to help students earn diplomas, but also to rebuild lives and strengthen communities.