Adult Education is

COABE is advancing adult education across the United States. We connect educators, learners, and partners with the resources, research, and professional learning that strengthen adult education nationwide.

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Adult education resources for educators and learners

Lead, Equip, and Empower are the three principles that guide COABE’s work. They shape our commitment to advancing adult education through innovation, high-quality professional development, and practical adult education resources for educators and programs. By empowering learners and communities, we help create new pathways for growth and lasting impact.

We Lead

by example, empowering our learners with the skills and confidence they need to seize opportunities. We equip them not just for today, but for the future they envision.

We Equip

our educators with the tools and resources necessary to inspire transformation in every classroom, fueling a passion for lifelong learning.

We Empower

our administrators with the vision and strategies to innovate and implement change, building stronger, more adaptive institutions.

Who we serve

An adult educator standing in front of his class smiling.

Educators & Associations

We equip educators with tools to inspire classroom transformation and foster lifelong learning, and support administrators with strategies to drive innovation and build stronger, more adaptable institutions.

Adult Learners

We empower adult learners with the skills and confidence they need to seize opportunities. We equip them not just for today, but for the future they envision.

Young COABE business partner explaining the value of adult education to colleagues.

Employers, Funders & Partners

We equip employers, funders, and partners with the collaboration and support they need to help push the boundaries of what’s possible, creating a collective impact that reaches far beyond education.

THE SIGNAL

What's shaping adult education

Research and policy developments, translated into the questions that matter for adult education.

CALPRO • CA | OCT 20, 2026

Teaching across
adult ESL levels

CALPRO announced a research-forum webinar on multilevel adult ESL instruction. The session will explore evidence-based strategies, learners’ strengths and differentiated teaching approaches. Adult ESL teachers can find professional learning focused on planning engaging, level-appropriate lessons for students with varied language skills, experiences and goals.

CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE | OCT 15, 2026

More adults earn
skills and credentials

Central Texas College reports serving 240 adult education learners across 12 counties and increasing high school equivalency completions from seven to 27. Its program combines literacy, English instruction and workforce preparation through local partnerships. Program administrators can examine this example of tracking enrollment, skill gains and credentials alongside community access.

NASSAU CC • NY | OCT 13, 2026

New pathways for
adult career changers

Nassau Community College highlighted an expansion of New York’s Reconnect program beginning in January 2027. Eligible adults ages 25–55, including those with a degree in another field, can pursue qualifying high-demand associate degrees with tuition covered and support for books and supplies. Adult learners and advisors can review the announcement for retraining options.

Adult Education's Return On Investment

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Adult education meets current challenges, stimulates the economy, and connects talent to employers.

Workforce Re-Entry & Economic Contribution

Empowering non-native speakers to navigate, integrate, and achieve professional success.

English Proficiency & Career Pathways

Fulfilling educational milestones, fueling higher education, and boosting local economies.

Adult Literacy & High School Equivalency

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