Listening to Learners: New Research About People Pursuing Short-Term Credentials
    Author: Amanda Bergson-Shilcock and Karina Paredes-Arzola
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Many adult learners choose to pursue short-term occupational credentials in addition to (or following) their English language or high school equivalency. In this webinar, get an overview of National Skills Coalition's new research about how people decide which credentials to pursue, and whether these programs help them accomplish their career goals. You'll get valuable insight into factors that can help you strengthen Integrated Education and Training programs and advise learners. Original webinar date: February 17, 2026 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/EKzYHAerFUQ
    Furthering Organizational Capacity and Evaluation Readiness: Lessons Learned from an Evaluability Assessment of The Petey Greene Program’s College Bridge and College Tutoring Programs
    Author: Jeffrey Abramowitz, JD, Chiara Benetollo, PhD, Samuel Scaggs, PhD, and Samantha Tosto, PhD
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Programmatic evaluations not only show fidelity or effectiveness of an intervention but also allow for continuous improvement of services and make an organization more appealing to funders. Yet, evaluations also come with challenges and many organizations struggle to determine whether they are ready to use their data for research purposes. Evaluability assessments gather essential information about a program’s functioning and equip organizational leadership to ensure that programs are on the right track and set up for success in an evaluation. The Petey Greene Program (PGP) and RTI International (RTI) will present a case study of the PGP’s College Bridge Program, describing the process through which organizations can proactively strengthen their capacity and readiness to conduct a more rigorous evaluation of their programs. First, the PGP will describe the College Bridge Program model, rationale for evaluating it, and considerations for knowing when and how to prepare for an evaluation. RTI will then discuss common considerations, the role and importance of evaluability assessments, and the types of organizational practices and documentation often explored during this process. The webinar outlines the activities associated with evaluability assessment, key findings, and lessons learned from the current evaluability assessment and capacity-building exercises that organizations can implement to become more adequately prepared for evaluation. Original webinar date: October 20, 2025 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/MNJu8Ka0hDo
    What the Future Holds: Career Opportunities in the Affordable Housing and Comprehensive Community Development Field
    Author: Crystal Scott and Douglas Sessions
    Subject Area: Career Pathways
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Comprehensive community development is defined as the "place-based and intentional approach aimed at improving lives and strengthening communities and works at the intersection of people, places, and systems." By creating a shared vision, unified strategy, and a collaborative structure to attract and deploy resources, comprehensive community development creates vibrant local communities that offer people equitable opportunities to thrive. It is also built on a foundation of inclusive resident engagement, which is central to creating and sustaining positive change.
    NeighborWorks America (NWA) is the founder of this strategic thinking and today, this 45-year-old national nonprofit exists to make grants that impact local communities in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. NWA also supports organizations and individuals engaged in this work through many types of capacity-building and training opportunities. NeighborWorks is known as the premier provider of professional learning for the affordable housing and community development field. Participants will hear from two NWA network organizations about best practices and the benefits of NeighborWorks training and how professional development can impact individuals and communities!
    Original webinar date: January 14, 2025
    Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/Szsgwu4xZNw
    Using a Career Readiness App to Teach Finance, Digital, and Work Skills
    Author: Drew Robinson
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Are you ready to transform your ESL and ABE classes with a cutting-edge Career Readiness app? Join our interactive webinar session and discover how our smartphone-based instruction empowers learners with essential financial knowledge, real-world digital literacy skills, and crucial work/life coaching. Witness firsthand how students can prepare for success anytime, anywhere, with engaging audiovisual lessons and interactive games that provide immediate feedback. Plus, as a webinar attendee, you'll receive a free Learning Upgrade license, bringing this transformative app to your classes. Don't miss out on this opportunity to ignite a passion for learning and equip your learners for a future full of possibilities! Original webinar date: December 3, 2024 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/u6-lOG6G_Ro
    Anchoring Adult Student Retention—Insights from a Professional Learning Community
    Author: Jen Denton
    Subject Area: Career Pathways
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    When educators collaborate, students succeed! Join us as we explore the findings of a year-long adult student retention study led by the Essential Education Professional Learning Community. Discover powerful strategies to keep students in class and on track to reach their goals. Celebrate the achievements of our COABE Adult Student Retention Specialists and learn from their valuable experiences. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or simply passionate about adult education, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to gain practical retention tools and applaud the dedication of those at the forefront of fostering adult student success. Original webinar date: February 6, 2024 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/TcLmcwgkYGk
    Part 3: Leveraging Public Relations to Build your Adult Education Brand
    Author: Celina Shands and Anika Jackson
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Earned media is a highly effective tool to expand your reach about your adult education mission. Learn three strategies that will give you a jump start on working within your local community media landscape and beyond. (Part of a Four-Part Webinar Series) Original webinar date: January 16, 2023 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/1sSF6PaA_so
    Helping Your Students Identify, Develop, and Utilize Their (not so) Soft Skills
    Author: Cynthia Peters and Jen Denton
    Subject Area: Career Pathways, Soft Skills
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Adult education students have strong transferable skills (aka, soft skills). They just don’t know it yet! Leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills are being cultivated daily by hard-working adult learners. Employers value and seek these crucial competencies. In this webinar, we’ll share powerful student-written stories and classroom activities that demonstrate simple ways to teach basic skills in a way that enables students to identify and amplify the transferable skills essential for employability. Original webinar date: December 6, 2023 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/S9aEyOjkfAI
    Part 2: The Art of Storytelling: Building Your Adult Education Brand through Stories
    Author: Anika Jackson and Celina Shands
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Why does the brain react positively to storytelling and how do you leverage this powerful strategy to leave a lasting and memorable impression in your community? (Part of a Four-Part Webinar Series) Original webinar date: November 7, 2023 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/-t3R2xoYYt4