Educate
& Advocate
Educate & Advocate
For Adult Education
FOR ADULT EDUCATION
A Critical Time is Upon Us!
The newly released President’s FY26 “Skinny Budget” proposal calls for deep cuts to non-defense discretionary spending—including the complete elimination of federal funding for adult education. Though this proposal is unlikely to pass the Senate as written, it sends a clear signal: the future of adult education is at risk, and now is the time to raise our voices.
More than 75% of COABE’s local programs depend on federal funding to help adults improve literacy, earn credentials, and transform their lives. These aren’t just programs—they are lifelines for millions of learners working tirelessly to support their families, strengthen their communities, and create a better tomorrow.
This is our call to action. Together, we can make a difference.
Webinar Replay: Mobilizing for Adult Education – Responding to the FY26 Budget Threat
The President’s FY26 “Skinny Budget” proposal calls for the complete elimination of federal funding for adult education, putting millions of learners—and the programs that serve them—at risk. While this proposal is unlikely to pass as written, it represents a significant threat to our field and a clear call to action. Join COABE for an urgent webinar focused on what this budget proposal means, what’s at stake, and—most importantly—how we can mobilize together to protect adult education. We’ll walk through the key details of the proposal, share ready-to-use tools and messages, and outline clear, concrete ways you and your networks can take action now. Whether you’re a program leader, educator, student, or advocate, your voice matters. Let’s stand united to make sure adult education is heard—and protected.
Presenters: Sharon Bonney, Elyse Wasch, Erin Vobornik, Jamie Trujillo, and Shaketta Thomas
Here are 10 ways you can help:
1
Contact your legislators – use our sample messages to make it easy.
Message State Legislators,
Message Members of Congress,
Request a Meeting
2
Get media ready. Download our Media Ready: Adult Education Toolkit to represent your learners, your program, and the field with clarity and confidence
3
Contact your legislators on social media, tag them and share a success story or simply share our messaging on X
4
Pen an op-ed. Download COABE’s media toolkit to for step by step instructions and support. Request a meeting
5
Engage your learners to take up the cause. They can send hand written cards and emails or make phone calls. Look up your legislator
7
Sign up as a LOCAL Advocate to ensure your local program is participating. Learn more | Sign up now
8
Download the Faces of Adult Education graphics and share widely. Scroll down for graphics
Sample Media Images
Download a full size image to share on social media
From your desktop/laptop, click on the image you want, then right-click and select Save-As to save it to your computer.
From your mobile device, press and hold the image to save it to your device.
