What is LOCAL?
LOCAL (Leading Our Communities through Access & Learning) is a national professional development pathway designed to strengthen local adult education programs and the leaders who guide them.
Through interactive learning, real-world application, and peer connection, LOCAL equips participating programs with the tools they need to create measurable impact for adult learners and the communities they serve.
Who is LOCAL for?
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Local adult education programs
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Program directors, coordinators, or designated leaders
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One representative per local program
LOCAL is ideal for programs that want to:
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Raise their profile in the community
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Strengthen partnerships with workforce, education, and civic stakeholders
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Improve program quality and learner engagement
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Position adult education as essential to community success
Program Structure
Format
Monthly virtual sessions + Basecamp learning community
Duration
January–December
Approach
Practical, flexible activities applied directly to program settings
Experience
Expert-led sessions combined with peer collaboration
Participants engage in structured learning while actively working on initiatives that benefit their own programs in real time.
Learning Focus Areas
Throughout the year, participants build skills and strategies related to:
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Leadership development
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Community partnerships
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Program visibility and awareness
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Storytelling and data-informed impact
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Organizational capacity and sustainability
By the end of the program, participants leave with an actionable plan to sustain momentum and continue measurable improvement.
What You'll Gain
Benefits for Programs
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Increased visibility and credibility within the local community
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Stronger partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, education providers, and civic leaders
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Tools and strategies to improve program quality and learner engagement
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A pathway to recognition at the state and national level
Benefits for Program Leaders
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Increased leadership confidence and practical skills
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Access to a national network of peers and collaborators
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Monthly insights from guest experts focused on implementation
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Opportunities to share program successes through COABE platforms and conference presentations
Funding & Recognition Opportunities
Participation in LOCAL opens doors to additional opportunities:
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Award Eligibility: Completion of LOCAL is required to apply for the COABE Excellence in Local Programming Award, recognizing programs with strong outcomes, community engagement, and mission alignment.
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Grant Access: Successful completers gain eligibility for competitive grants that support leadership, advocacy, or partnership initiatives.
LOCAL is designed not just to build skills—but to create visible, lasting impact.
Monthly Learning Journal
Januaray
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
How Participants Engage
LOCAL is intentionally designed to be practical and flexible. Participants are expected to:
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Engage in monthly Zoom sessions and Basecamp activities
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Apply learning to real program initiatives throughout the year
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Share insights and progress with colleagues and leadership teams
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Collaborate with peers across the national network
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Commit to continuous improvement within their organization
Participation in LOCAL is a strategic investment in your program’s future—and in strengthening adult education’s role in every community.
