Foundational Essentials

Practical skills for everyday life and work

Bridging the Gap

Many adults are motivated to advance their education or careers but aren’t yet fully prepared to take the next step. Foundational skills courses were designed specifically to close that gap. 

Course Areas​​

Includes three core skill areas

Financial Literacy

Digital Literacy

Math Fundamentals

Each course focuses on practical tasks learners encounter in real life and on the job.

Learning Approach

  • Uses clear explanations and real-world examples to make complex topics easier to understand.

  • Emphasizes practical application rather than theory.

  • Designed to help learners practice skills they can use immediately in daily life and work.

Learner Outcomes

  • Improves confidence in managing money and making financial decisions.

  • Builds comfort using digital devices, online services, and digital communication.

  • Strengthens number skills used in everyday tasks such as budgeting, measuring, and estimating.

Program Value​

  • Provides essential life and workplace skills that apply across industries.

  • Supports workforce readiness and continued education.

  • Helps learners become more capable and self-reliant in modern work and daily life.

"Estimates show tens of millions of adults lack basic literacy, math, and digital literacy, putting them at a disadvantage in workforce training and job searches. These gaps demonstrate why pre-training support courses (e.g., digital literacy, vocabulary, workplace communication) are needed before adults enter more advanced technical programs."
"Nearly one in three U.S. workers lack foundational digital skills. About 13% have no digital skills at all and another 18% have only limited abilities — gaps that directly affect access to training and employment with technology requirements."