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.

Become a Member

Advancing adult education across the United States

At the heart of our organization are three core principles: Lead, Equip, and Empower. These pillars shape our strategic goals and represent our dedication to advancing adult education. By leading with innovation, equipping educators and programs with high-quality resources and professional development, and empowering learners and communities, we will build upon our successes and create new pathways for growth and 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.

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

THE SIGNAL

What's shaping adult education

Research and policy developments, translated into the questions that matter for adult education.

KAUZ • TEXAS | SEP 15, 2026

Flexible learning
for Texas adults

Texas Workforce Commission partners offer low-cost adult education with online and in-person options. KAUZ highlights instruction in academic skills, digital literacy, work readiness and college preparation for adults without a diploma or with literacy needs. The story includes a provider finder that can help learners connect with local classes. These options support flexible learning.

OREGON HECC | SEP 25, 2026

Adult educators
connect online

Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission announced a virtual Adult Basic Skills Conference for October 16. The online format is intended to broaden participation among adult education professionals across the state. Teachers and program administrators can consult the announcement for registration details and an opportunity to connect around adult basic skills instruction.

FIRST LITERACY • MA | OCT 5, 2026

New leadership
for adult literacy

First Literacy named Corey Groves its new board chair, continuing a focus on adult education across Massachusetts. Its support combines free professional development for teachers, grants for innovative literacy programs and scholarships for adults pursuing college or vocational training. The announcement highlights a coordinated model for supporting learners, educators and program leaders.

Adult Education's Return On Investment

Click on an image to download PDF, or click here to download four page pdf.

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

Breaking the cycles of poverty, enhancing family connections, and investing in our future.

Intergenerational Mobility & Family Literacy

October 2026 VIP Partner

Stop Being the Best Kept Secret! Turn abstract data into compelling human stories and narratives that drive enrollment, funding and policy change. Secure one of only 12 cohort seats in the eFCM Storytelling Academy from Full Capacity Marketing.

👉 Explore the Academy:

https://www.fullcapacitymarketing.com/efcm-storytelling-academy/

#FCM #COABE #LearningHub #workforcedevelopment #wkdev #adulteducation #adulted #storytelling