Building Talent Pipelines: How Adult Education and Employers Can Partner for Workforce Success
    Author: Bryan Seck
    Subject Area: ESL/ELL, Workforce
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Adult education programs are uniquely positioned to serve as a powerful talent pipeline for today’s employers. By equipping learners with industry-relevant skills and providing onsite training—such as English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction directly at the workplace—adult education strengthens businesses while opening doors for workers to advance. In this webinar, we’ll explore practical strategies for building effective partnerships between employers and adult education programs. Featuring insights from Bryan Seck, former Kawasaki executive and now Executive Director of Lincoln Literacy in Nebraska, participants will learn how collaboration can address workforce shortages, enhance retention, and create opportunities for learners. This webinar draws on lessons from COABE’s Invest in the Midwest tour, offering both inspiration and actionable ideas for programs looking to engage employers as partners in workforce development. Original webinar date: December 2, 2025 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/5XFUZ8amxKQ
    New Research on Small Businesses & Skills: How Adult Educators Can Use Data for Advocacy
    Author: Amanda Bergson-Shilcock and Jeran Culina
    Subject Area: Advocacy
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Recent research reveals new insights about what small businesses are looking for when they hire -- and adult educators can use this information to advocate for our field. Join us for a lively, practical conversation and find out what 75 small companies had to say about skills and credentials. Then learn how YOU can use this information advocate for adult education. Bring your questions! Original webinar date: November 19, 2025 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/h01PcRp_fcI
    Employ Your Money with the Money Bucket Cash Management System
    Author: Presented by: Jedidiah Collins, CFP®
    Subject Area: Financial Literacy
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    With each paycheck you are presented with a series of choices, Five Choices to be exact that we will identify as "Money Buckets." In this interactive webinar attendees will break down their paycheck so that each dollar has a job. Identifying the jobs is the start, but we will also be creating a system where you have the accounts and operations to find success! Original webinar date: November 13, 2025 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/Fbw7QB4ZO9A
    Trauma-Informed Instruction: Teaching Through Triggers and Traumas – Theirs and Yours
    Author: Kathy Young
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Participants will learn how to teach through triggers and traumas—yours and your students'—to lead students to academic success. Research shows that past and present trauma affects our ability to learn and teach effectively. This webinar will present an accessible understanding of how the brain functions when under stress and how to regulate before you react. This knowledge combined with practical, transferable skills will improve learning, instruction, test-taking, and quality of life. Original webinar date: November 7, 2025 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/qfWGJ7KxvOQ
    Power in Partnership: Transforming Adult Education and Workforce Impact Through Policy and Collaboration
    Author: Alysha Bold, Debbie Faubus-Kendrick, Elyse Wasch, Erin Vobornik, Heather Tharp, and Karyn Goven
    Subject Area: Workforce
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Adult education is essential for personal growth, community strength, and the nation’s hidden talent pipeline. Join COABE and our public policy partners for a timely policy update and a conversation on how adult education and workforce advocates can amplify impact by advocating together. We’ll explore current policy dynamics, highlight opportunities for strategic partnerships, and share ways to advance adult education while staying true to the field’s full mission. This webinar is designed for educators, program leaders, and advocates who want to make their collective voice count without narrowing the purpose of adult education. Original webinar date: October 28, 2025 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/DF6XxieVbw8
    Author: Erin Vobornik
    Subject Area: Advocacy, Workforce
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Material Type: Toolkit
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Published by COABE, this guide helps adult education professionals bring employers and workforce partners into the advocacy process. By highlighting how adult education strengthens businesses, families, and communities, it bridges the gap between workforce needs and education outcomes.
    The goal of this guide is to help you connect with employers who can authentically demonstrate the value of adult education, educate them on how their voice matters in advocacy, and offer flexible ways for them to get involved. Inside, you’ll find strategies for identifying the right partners, collaborating on advocacy efforts, sharing success stories, and reflecting on what works best.
    By the time you finish, you’ll be ready to cultivate strong partnerships that give adult education a powerful, united voice in shaping policy and driving economic growth.
    Kick Off Digital Inclusion Day (DID): Driving Transformation in Adult Education
    Author: Charles Pellicane and Sharon Bonney
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    We DID it—and we’re just getting started! Digital Inclusion Day (DID) kicks off a nationwide day celebrating the power of technology to transform adult education and open new doors for learners. This kickoff session spotlights funding opportunities that fuel digital equity for your local program and learners and showcases innovative education practices that equip every adult with the skills to succeed in a connected world. By breaking down barriers to access and accelerating transformation, DID reminds us that when we invest in digital inclusion, we invest in brighter futures for learners, families, and communities.

    Original webinar date: October 6, 2025
    Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/WmnJyLZenfI
    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