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.

Lead Equip Empower

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.

TRANSFORMATION OF ADULT EDUCATION

The Voice of Adult Education

Our mission is to to lead, equip, and empower the field of adult education, inspiring transformative growth in every adult to achieve their full potential.

100K

Active Members

100+

National Partners

3.2M

Adult Learners Served

Become a Member

November VIP Partner

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.

Young female adult law student standing on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building advocating for adult education.

Policy Makers

Together, we will lead, empower, and equip this nation—providing the foundation for individuals, communities, and industries to thrive.

Lead | Equip | Empower

News & Current Initiatives

COABE Enters Into New Partnership with eCornell

COABE is partnering with eCornell University for our adult learners to earn online certificates at no cost!

Explore

COABE is Partnering with IBM SkillsBuild

Discover the value of IBM SkillsBuild—a powerful platform offering free industry-recognized learning badges, career-focused training pathways, and resources for both educators and learners

Mark Your Calendars for COABE 2026!

JOIN THE WORLD'S LARGEST ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE FEATURING: More than 15 strands; Nearly 500 state of the art, national level, sessions; Expert presenters; Niche vendors and large publishers; Awards, recognition, and funding; Networking with colleagues from across the country.

Information Coming Soon

COABE Launches Educate & Elevate Foundation

COABE, the leading and largest adult education association globally, recognizes that adult learners and their families often face barriers in life, education, and employment.

Find Out More

The Faces
of Adult Education

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.

Alabama

Ashley Johnson

Middle-aged African American adult learner.

Once Ashley Johnson tasted success in adult education, she knew she could not stop at her high school diploma. Today, Ashley is not only chasing her dreams, she is reaching back to pull others along with her.

Connecticut

Eddie Rivera

After a turbulent teenhood, Eddie Rivera found himself incarcerated, but not forgotten. Adult education breathed life into the dreams he had always had, and upon reentry, Eddie began to chase his second chance with everything he had.

Delaware

Kristy Trudel

Thanks to her adult education program promoting digital literacy skills, Kristy Trudel went off to college and became equipped to give back to the adult education community using her new in-demand computer security skills.