Adult Learner* – Free* Adult learner encompasses alumni of adult ed programs (up to 5 years from graduation) and current students receiving services as follows: High School equivalency, ESL, digital skills, and workforce readiness skills delivered by a COABE affiliated local program.
Discover an exciting day of connection, inspiration, and peer-led insights at COABE’s Adult Learner Summit. This event is designed for adult learners like you, by fellow adult learners.
Participate in meaningful networking opportunities, gain valuable perspectives from engaging sessions, and hear firsthand success stories from those who’ve navigated the same path.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to enrich your learning journey. Mark your calendar and be a part of this transformative experience! #AdultLearnerSummit #EmpowerYourJourney
Ambassador Training for Adult Learners is for any adult learner who wants to become an Ambassador. It is recommended that a representative from each adult learner’s program attends the training alongside the adult learner. This helps to further engage adult learners in their plans after the event is over and allows time for the program to plan how to grow leadership development in their local program.
Adult learners will engage in interactive learning on a variety of topics, including:
Learners will leave with a plan for how to make a change at their program, state, or national level and a network of individuals who will support them throughout that journey.
COABE began the Students as Leaders strand at the 2014 national conference, and it has been a mainstay ever since. The strand focuses on empowering adult learners through leadership opportunities within classes and programs. Presenters are encouraged to co-present with adult learners for every presentation in this strand.
You will not want to miss these sessions! Bring a notebook to document the innovative ideas and tissues for the stories shared.
Monday, February 3rd
2-3pm Eastern
The Students as Leaders Summit (March 31, 2025) offers adult learners an opportunity to engage in a free hybrid learning experience where they will learn how to foster student leadership in their local programs. Learn how to foster virtual participation for all adult learners in your program to ensure that they do not miss out on this once-a-year opportunity for networking, connection, and learning!
Presenters: Erin Vobornik, Christine Valdez, Laura Porfirio, Arnold Montiel and Kristin Hempel
Register
Hear from an adult learner who attended the conference in 2024“In March 2024, thanks to EASTCONN Adult Education, I had the opportunity to attend my first COABE National Conference. It was an amazing experience and I am proud to say that i was able to share my story. I also had the opportunity to meet new people who, like me, are determined to become the best version of themselves.” – Krislia Griman, Connecticut
Hear from an educator who attended the conference in 2024“I would like to encourage anyone who is interested in COABE Student as Leaders Summit to do so. The Summit is full of information and useful for teaching and connecting with individuals at the conferences as well as in your organization, or outreach efforts
I have used techniques to connect with others especially in my advocacy outreach. COABE is strong in supporting adult learners and creating a leadership atmosphere, and anyone who feels strongly about advocacy, I highly recommend the Summit. You will be stronger and more confident in your efforts. Please join me in Dallas in 2025 and connect. We are in this together.” – Leah Ellis, New Mexico
Can’t join us in Dallas for the Students as Leaders Summit? You can still join the fun from wherever you live. The Students as Leaders Summit will be streamed live all day on March 31st.
Sign up to host a Watch Party when you register for the conference and you’ll get:
To get started, register for the conference, select virtual attendance, and choose “I’m hosting a Watch Party”. Someone from COABE will email you to get started!
*If you already registered and want to be part of the Watch & Win Challenge, fill out this form.
All times listed in Central Time. Adult Learner attendees get free tickets to all ticketed events.
| Monday, March 31, 2025 | ||
| 07:00am – 05:00pm CT | Attendee Registration | |
| 07:00am – 08:00am CT | Breakfast for Adult Learners | |
| 08:00am – 09:10am CT |
Welcome & COABE Orientation Start your Students as Leaders Summit journey with an energizing welcome and an introduction to COABE! This session will provide an overview of COABE’s mission, resources, and opportunities designed to support adult learners. You’ll connect with fellow attendees, learn how to make the most of the summit, and discover ways to stay engaged beyond today. Whether you’re new to COABE or already involved, this session will set the stage for an inspiring experience. Speakers: Kristen Hempel, Erin Vobornik, Christine Valdez, Leah Ellis, Zahra Alrekabi |
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| 09:30am – 10:50am CT | General Session – Keynote Rebecca Contreras | |
| 10:50am – 11:50am CT | Exhibits Grand Opening / Snack Break | |
| 11:50am – 12:40pm CT |
Becoming Purely Persistent Success in education and leadership is all about persistence! This session will focus on building resilience, overcoming obstacles, and staying motivated as you work toward your goals. Through inspiring stories and hands-on activities, you’ll develop a mindset of persistence that will help you navigate challenges in school, work, and life. Walk away with strategies to stay focused, push through setbacks, and celebrate your progress. |
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| 01:00pm – 02:00pm CT | Adult Learner Lunch & Learn Session | |
| 02:00pm – 03:10pm CT | Breaking Through Barriers Abstract: Success isn’t just about talent—it’s about perseverance, courage, and breaking through the obstacles in your path. Join this powerful panel discussion, moderated by Rebecca Contreras, a nationally recognized leader, author, and change-maker, as adult learners share their personal journeys of overcoming challenges and redefining what’s possible. From navigating barriers in education and career to stepping into leadership, this session will inspire you to push past limitations and embrace your own potential. Walk away with insights, motivation, and practical strategies to turn obstacles into opportunities. Your breakthrough starts here!Moderator: Rebecca Contreras Panelists: Kelvin Kasongo |
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| 03:10pm – 03:50pm CT | Exhibit Hall / Snack Break | |
| 03:50pm – 05:00pm CT |
Leadership in Your Program and Beyond Leadership doesn’t stop at the classroom door! In this session, explore how you can take on leadership roles within your adult education program and beyond. Learn from student leaders who have used their voices to create change, support their peers, and shape the future of adult education. Gain practical strategies to get involved, advocate for your needs, and grow as a leader in your community and career. Speakers: Leah Ellis, Zahra Alrekabi; Khalid McDaniel; Evgeniia Ananina; Ersula Steward |
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| 05:00pm – 5:30pm CT |
Students as Leaders Group Photo Speakers: Dollar General Literacy Foundation |
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| 07:00pm – 09:00pm CT | President’s Welcome Reception – Ticketed Event | |
| Tuesday, April 1, 2025 | ||
| 7:00am – 8:00am CT | Regional Meeting Breakfast – Ticketed Event | |
| 08:00am – 05:00pm CT | Registration | |
| 08:00am – 05:00pm CT | Exhibit Area Open |
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| 08:00am – 09:10am CT |
Ambassador Training for Adult Learners Your voice has power—let’s amplify it! The COABE Ambassador Training for Adult Learners is your opportunity to step into leadership, share your story, and make a real impact in adult education. In this dynamic session, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to advocate for yourself, your peers, and the future of adult learning. Learn how to connect with decision-makers, inspire your community, and use your experiences to drive change. Whether you’re just beginning your leadership journey or looking to take it to the next level, this training will equip you to be a fearless and effective ambassador for adult education. Your story matters—let’s make sure it’s heard! [This is a two-part session] Speakers: Erin Vobornik, Leah Ellis |
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| 09:30am – 10:50am CT | General Session |
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| 11:00am – 11:50am CT |
4 Choices for your Paycheck Speakers: Jedidiah Collins |
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| 11:50am – 01:00pm CT |
Ambassador Training for Adult Learners Your voice has power—let’s amplify it! The COABE Ambassador Training for Adult Learners is your opportunity to step into leadership, share your story, and make a real impact in adult education. In this dynamic session, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to advocate for yourself, your peers, and the future of adult learning. Learn how to connect with decision-makers, inspire your community, and use your experiences to drive change. Whether you’re just beginning your leadership journey or looking to take it to the next level, this training will equip you to be a fearless and effective ambassador for adult education. Your story matters—let’s make sure it’s heard! [This is a two-part session] Speakers: Erin Vobornik, Leah Ellis |
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| 01:00pm – 02:00pm CT | Lunch – on your own | |
| 02:00pm – 03:10pm CT | Ambassador Facilitator Training – Part 1 | |
| 03:10pm – 03:50pm CT | Exhibit Hall / Snack Break | |
| 03:50pm – 05:00pm CT |
Ambassador Facilitator Training Ready to inspire and equip the next generation of adult learner leaders? The Ambassador Facilitator Training is designed for educators, program leaders, and advocates who want to bring the COABE Ambassador Training to their states, programs, or classrooms. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to effectively deliver the training, support adult learners in sharing their stories, and empower them to become confident advocates. Gain access to valuable resources, best practices, and a network of like-minded facilitators who are committed to elevating student voices nationwide. Let’s work together to build a movement of adult learners who are ready to lead! Speakers: Erin Vobornik |
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| 06:00pm – 09:00pm CT | Offsite Event – Ticketed Event | |