In 1890, Thomas J. Foster, a newspaperman with a vision for democratizing education, noticed a critical gap: hardworking coal miners and industrial laborers wanted to better their lives through education but couldn't attend traditional schools. His solution was revolutionary - International Correspondence Schools, bringing practical, job-relevant training directly to learners through the mail. That insight sparked an educational movement that would evolve over 130 years into Penn Foster, a national leader in online career-focused education serving over 175,000 learners annually.
Today, Penn Foster continues its founding mission by bridging the gap between education and economic opportunity through accessible, affordable, self-paced online programs. As part of Penn Foster Group and a Bain Capital Double Impact company, the organization partners with employers, schools, and community organizations to deliver career diplomas, certificates, and degrees in high-demand fields from healthcare to skilled trades. With a goal to upskill one million middle-skilled workers each year, Penn Foster leverages digital learning platforms and over a century of educational expertise to create pathways to meaningful employment - proving that Thomas Foster's vision of education as a force for economic mobility remains as vital today as it was in 1890.
