In March 2021, COABE selected 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 are learning how to work with the media, their communities, and policymakers to create change benefiting adult learners and adult education programs. Final impact reports are in process, and this year’s cohort will move in to the mentorship phase. 

The application process for COABE’s 2022 cohort is underway, see below for more details:

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 the media, their communities, and policymakers to create change benefiting adult learners and adult education programs.

The Fellowship kicks off in March 2022 with remote orientation, advocacy training, and our first training session which will take place at the COABE 2022 national conference in a live/virtual setting. After receiving coaching and inspiration, fellows will speak directly with Members of Congress, governors, 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, taking actions like writing letters to the editor and meeting with their legislators.

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 make decisions that 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 Member of Congress and governors 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 April 2022 and related spring Capitol Hill Day.
• Lead your state during the fall 2022 Family Literacy 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.

2022 Timeline:

12/15-1/15: Fellowship applications period
1/15/-2/15: Applications reviewed by Public Policy Committee
2/16: Fellowship notification to cohort
3/1: Meet the Fellows Formal Fellowship Launch & Orientation
3/15: Basecamp Overview
4/10: COABE Fellowship Session 1

Please email info@coabe.org with any questions.

Read the SAAEF Position Description