COABE is seeking activists and leaders to champion the cause of adult education WIOA Title II programs. The State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship (SAAEF) is a hands-on advocacy training program for adult educators, adult learners, and friends of adult education. During the yearlong program, fellows will learn how to work with policymakers, the media, and their communities to create lasting change that benefits adult learners and adult education programs.

The Fellowship kicks off in January 2025 with remote orientation, advocacy training, and a hands-on training session which will take place at the COABE 2025 national conference in a live/virtual setting. After receiving coaching and inspiration, fellows will speak directly with members of Congress, governors, mayors, and their staff. Throughout the rest of the year, fellows will receive ongoing training via webinars and one-on-one coaching sessions. They will hone their advocacy skills by writing letters to the editor, organizing statewide activities in collaboration with their state association, and organizing legislative meetings and events.

SAAEF fellows are passionate, committed, everyday individuals that use their voices to influence political decisions that will impact the field of adult education in positive ways. Fellows receive training, support, and inspiration to become skilled advocates to effectively advise policy makers, guiding them toward decisions that enable lawmakers, the media, and funders to support adult education. SAAEF fellows realize the incredible power they possess to use their voices to change the world.

As a SAAEF Fellow you will:
• Receive training and support over 12 months to become a powerful advocate for adult education.
• Write pieces that get published in the media.
• Learn how to influence your members of Congress and governor on issues specific to adult education.
• Have access to office hours for personalized advocacy support.
• Become a skilled organizer who mobilizes local programs to respond to “calls for action.”
• Work with the local ambassadors in your state to ensure adult learners’ voices are heard at legislative meetings and lifted up by the media.
• Attend the COABE Conference in March 2025 and related spring Advocacy April.
• Lead your state during the fall 2025 National Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) Week.
• Receive a press release and certificate of completion. COABE will also serve as a resource for future reference checks.
• Submit a final impact report.
• Participate in an exit interview.
• $1,000 will be awarded upon completion of the one-year fellowship.

2025 Timeline
10/30/24 – 12/9/24: Fellowship applications period
12/9/24 – 12/23/24: Applications reviewed by Public Policy Committee
12/27/24 – 1/16/25: Interviews
1/17/25: Fellowship notification to cohort – Reminder to register for the conference
1/28/25: Meet the Fellows Formal Fellowship Launch, Orientation & Basecamp Overview
3/30/25: COABE Fellowship Session at the COABE Conference

Read the SAAEF Position Description

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

“This has been an opportunity that I will always remember. I have learned so much and I plan to continue to use what I have learned to advocate for adult education.” – Debra Tavaras, 2023 SAAEF Fellow Alumni, Georgia

“The fellowship allowed me to understand my purpose better and advocate for students. The joy in knowing that you are not alone in the fight and that the resources are exceptional. The knowledge one receives to advance the needs of adult education is priceless and COABE has been a beacon of light.” – Chelia Thompson, 2023 SAAEF Fellow Alumni, Michigan