The New York State Education Department has developed a number of programs and services for its increasing number of adult postsecondary learners (defined as those over 25 plus young people outside the traditional education system). New York has over three-quarters of a million adult learners in degree and nondegree school programs; millions more are in nonschool programs, principally for worker education, run by businesses, unions, government agencies, the military, religious organizations, and others. In response to their needs, state postsecondary institutions provide 750 off-campus sites for adult learners, and the state works with the federal government in offering both secondary and postsecondary education and training programs. The state education department also helps business and other nonschool adult learning programs by evaluating, advising, and awarding degrees for their courses and by forming a statewide network of educational information centers to advise adult learners. Further, the education department has large financial aid and loan programs for adult learners and is preparing legislative proposals for both long- and short-term improvements in financial aid to adults and unemployed youth. (RW)