Lead. Equip. Empower.

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.

100K

Active Members

100+

National Partners

3.2M

Adult Learners Served

Become a Member

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.

TRANSFORMATION OF ADULT EDUCATION

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 2027!

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.

COABE 2027 Homepage

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

September 2026 VIP Partner

Moving adult learners from ESL to a completed workforce credential is one of the toughest hurdles in adult education. As a mobile-first workforce solution, EnGen blends ESL, CTE, IET, and workforce literacy to support transitions to career training, apprenticeships, and job placement. Partner with us to expand your program’s capacity and extend your instructional impact right from learners' phones. To celebrate EnGen as COABE’s VIP Vendor for September, we’re offering adult education programs an exclusive 10% back-to-school discount!