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.

DAVIS SCHOOL DISTRICT • UT | NOV 6, 2026

A diploma and
a next step

Davis Adult Education describes how individualized support connects high school completion and English learning with further training. Staff help learners identify goals and transition to Davis Technical College or other career programs. Teachers and advisors can use this example to make next-step planning part of instruction; reported graduate experiences are individual accounts.

SOUTHEASTERN CC • NC | NOV 3, 2026

More learning
behind prison walls

Southeastern Community College reports expanded prison education, including high school equivalency preparation, automotive training and an audio/video production degree. Its partnership with two correctional facilities earned a state award. Program leaders can examine the collaboration and day/evening scheduling as examples of widening access; the article does not establish employment outcomes.

OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE | NOV 5, 2026

Career exploration
with access in mind

Ocean County College reports a $100,000 grant for its Adult Transition Center to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The funded work includes a ten-week work and career-readiness course. For program leaders, it is a timely example of planning accessible career exploration; the announcement describes funded activities, not demonstrated employment outcomes.

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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