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.
Thanks to the Dollar General Foundation, we are offering 100 Students as Leaders Mini Grants to support adult learners’ participation in the 2nd Annual Students as Leaders Summit, part of the 2025 COABE National Conference in Dallas, TX. This unique opportunity will help learners develop leadership skills, connect with peers, and share their journeys.
Selected students will receive up to $800 of travel and lodging reimbursed to attend the Students as Leaders Summit on Monday, March 31st and the COABE Ambassador Training on Tuesday, April 1st at the COABE National Conference in Dallas, TX. Leading up to the event, mini grant awardees will join an online networking community to meet others who will be attending in person. Learn more about Students as Leaders Mini Grants. Submit an application.
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.
Thursday, December 12th
2-3pm Eastern
Student leadership starts in the program and extends across the nation! Join us to learn about national opportunities for adult learners at the 2025 National COABE conference in Dallas and help us build the movement. Learn from students, programs, and state leaders about the benefits of attending and how to fund this amazing experience. Take the first step and don’t let your learners miss out!
Presenters: Erin Vobornik, Denise Hinojosa Orand, Jamie Trujillo, 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
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 |
| 07:30am – 08:001m CT | Breakfast for Adult Learners |
| 08:00am – 09:10am CT | Session 1: Welcome & COABE Orientation |
| 09:30am – 10:50am CT | General Session – Jedidiah Collins & Rebecca Contreras |
| 10:50am – 11:50am CT | Exhibits Grand Opening / Snack Break |
| 11:50am – 01:00pm CT | Session 2: Leadership in Your Program and Beyond |
| 01:00pm – 02:00pm CT | Adult Learner Lunch & Learn Session – Jedidiah Collins |
| 02:00pm – 03:10pm CT | Session 3: Breaking Through Barriers – Rebecca Contreras |
| 03:10pm – 03:50pm CT | Exhibit Hall / Snack Break |
| 03:50pm – 05:00pm CT | Session 4: Growing Your Network & Advancing Your Career Using Social Media |
| 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 |
| 08:00am – 09:10am CT | Ambassador Training for Adult Learners – Part 1 |
| 09:30am – 10:50am CT | General Session |
| 10:50am – 11:50am CT | Exhibit Hall / Snack Break |
| 11:50am – 01:00pm CT | Ambassador Training for Adult Learners – Part 2 |
| 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 – Part 2 |
| 06:00pm – 09:00pm CT | Offsite Event – Ticketed Event |
| Wednesday, April 2, 2025 | |
| 07:00am – 07:40am CT | Onsite Presenter Training |
| 08:00am – 10:00am CT | Registration |
| 08:00am – 02:00pm CT | Exhibit Area Open |
| 08:00am – 09:10am CT | Students as Leaders Session 1 |
| 09:30am – 10:50am CT | Closing General Session |
| 10:50am – 11:20am CT | Exhibit Hall / Snack Break |
| 11:20am – 12:30pm CT | Students as Leaders Session 2 |
| 12:30pm – 01:30pm CT | Lunch Break – on your own |
| 01:30pm – 02:40pm CT | Students as Leaders Session 3 |
| 02:00pm – 03:00pm CT | Exhibitor Breakdown |
| 03:00pm – 04:10pm CT | Students as Leaders Session 4 |